How can you reduce pain and inflammation through nutrition?

inflammation

Arthritis. Fibromyalgia. Untreated sports injuries. All these can cause internal inflammation that can wreak havoc on your health. 

You may already be seeing a physical therapist for inflammation-related health issues, such as arthritis. Even if you just generalized pain in your back and joints, physical therapy can help. One treatment option that your physical therapist could suggest to help reduce pain and inflammation is an anti-inflammatory diet.

What is an anti-inflammatory diet?

An anti-inflammatory diet is made up of foods that can help reduce inflammation and pain. There are many such foods. Some of the most effective at helping fight inflammation include: 

Preparation is also an important component of an anti-inflammatory diet. Avoid frying foods or ordering fried foods when eating out. Instead, opt for the same ingredients that have been grilled, roasted or steamed. Rather than topping main courses and side dishes with creamy sauces and dressings, choose healthier alternatives. Topping options for various salads, side dishes and main courses include vinaigrettes, tomato salsa, fruit salsa, lemon juice and herbal olive oil.

What foods won’t help reduce inflammation and pain?

Moving to an anti-inflammatory diet can be tough. One reason is that there are many foods that don’t help reduce inflammation and pain. Unfortunately, these foods also tend to be convenience items.

On the plus side? There are few surprises in the types of foods that make inflammation worse. Some of the types of food that can increase inflammation are: 

  • Prepackaged meals
  • Junk foods
  • Refined sugar
  • Preserved foods
  • Fried items
  • White breads and pastas

SSOR can help you find ways to reduce inflammation and pain

Long-term pain relief can rarely be achieved with diet alone. It’s also important to consult a health care professional about other ways to gain flexibility and reduce pain. Physical therapy specialists at SSOR can help you find a therapy plan that works with your dietary changes. We’ll start by performing a complimentary screening on you that’s designed to reveal that root cause of your inflammation. Then, our physical therapists will create an individualized therapy plan for you that’s intended to decrease inflammation and other symptoms. 

Unable to leave home to get your physical therapy? Don’t worry! Our therapy team offers several options that can help you get physical therapy from home, including virtual care and at-home therapy sessions. In addition, you can start getting help from us even if you don’t have a doctor’s referral. 

Take the next step to get our help with your inflammation and pain. Contact us today for more information about the services we offer or to schedule your initial appointment.