It makes joints ache and hurt. It causes strained muscles to swell. What is it? Inflammation is the culprit behind these and many other issues people seek physical therapy for.
Chronic inflammation can wreak havoc with your health, but it’s all too common. In fact, research from 2014 reveals that almost 60% of Americans have a chronic inflammatory condition. You may already be seeing a physical therapist for inflammation-related health issues, such as arthritis. Whether you have a specific diagnosis or generalized pain in your back and joints, physical therapy can help. Your physical therapist may also suggest an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce chronic inflammation and pain.
Which foods won’t reduce pain and inflammation?
Often, the foods people eat are a common source of inflammation. One of the quickest ways to reverse nutrition-based inflammation is to stop eating the foods most associated with it. Unfortunately, for many people, these foods tend to be convenience items. That means that you may need to readjust how you think about preparing meals and snacks in your quest for pain relief.
On the plus side? Eating less of certain foods can help reduce inflammation and the pain it causes. Some of the inflammatory foods you should avoid include:
- Pre-packaged meals
- Chips, pork rinds and other “junk” foods
- Fried foods
- Red meat
- Refined carbohydrates — doughnuts, white bread, pastries, white rice
- Trans fats
How to replace inflammatory foods with those that can reduce inflammation and pain
Many “bad guys” in the food world have alternatives that can reduce chronic inflammation and pain. For instance, you can substitute white bread with whole-grain bread when making a sandwich. You can also work on eating more anti-inflammatory foods, such as:
- Brown rice
- Wheat or garbanzo pasta
- Fish
- Chicken
- Veggie “steaks”
- Greek yogurt
- Tomatoes
- Berries
- Citrus fruits
- Olive or avocado oil
Panther Physical Therapy can help you find ways to reduce chronic pain and inflammation
It’s rare that diet alone can help you achieve long-term pain relief. As important as nutrition is, it’s also crucial to consult a physical therapist about other ways to gain flexibility and reduce pain. Physical therapists from Panther Physical Therapy can work with you to find anti-inflammatory dietary changes. We can also help you learn the source of your inflammation with a free screening. Additionally, our team excels at creating personalized therapy plans designed to reduce your symptoms.
Things keeping you at home? Our team is currently offering virtual therapy and at-home care services, and these options are intended to help you get the therapy you need without leaving your home. Even better, you can start using any of our therapy services without first getting a doctor’s referral.
Contact our team today for more information about how we can help treat your chronic pain or to schedule an initial appointment.