In honor of National Nutrition Month in March, we at Mangiarelli Rehabilitation recognize the role that nutrition can play in managing osteoarthritis symptoms. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and involves the breakdown of cartilage around joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. A balanced, nutritious eating plan that includes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids provides the body the nutrients it needs to prevent further damage to joints and improve OA symptoms. Combining targeted physical therapy with a whole-food nutritious diet can improve osteoarthritic symptoms and enhance OA patients’ overall quality of life, function, and mobility.

Joint replacement surgery is a complex surgery that places significant stress on your body and increases your nutritional needs as you heal and recover. Adequate nutrition during recovery from surgery can help to control inflammation, provide the necessary nutrients to rebuild and restore injured tissue, decrease the risk of muscle atrophy, and preserve muscle strength. Eating a high-quality, fiber and antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory diet post-surgery can play a pivotal role in your body’s healing process and recovery. Check out our tips for the top nutrients to consume post-joint replacement surgery!

As we celebrate National Nutrition Month this March, we at Mangiarelli Rehabilitation recognize the role that nutrition can play in our patient’s recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. Nutrition can play a pivotal role in the body’s healing process, contribute to the development and management of certain chronic conditions, and either enhance or hinder a patient’s recovery from a musculoskeletal injury. Adequate nutrition during rehabilitation can help to control inflammation, provide the necessary nutrients to rebuild and restore injured tissue, decrease the risk of muscle atrophy, and preserve muscle strength.

March is #NationalNutritionMonth, a month to focus on building a balanced, nutrient-dense diet personalized to your specific needs, tastes, and health goals. As physical therapists working with patients as they recover from surgery and injury, we recognize that nutrition can play an important role in your recovery. Adequate nutrition during recovery from an injury can help to control inflammation, provide the necessary nutrients to rebuild and restore injured tissue, decrease the risk of muscle atrophy, and preserve muscle strength.

Today, Mangiarelli Rehabilitation has a guest post on the blog by Zack of Byler Elite Strength Training on nutrition and balanced meals. As a Precision Nutrition certified coach, he discusses how to craft the perfect meal, balanced between protein, smart carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy fats.