Nutrition is a critical aspect of health that is often overlooked when recovering from injury or surgery. To provide our patients the optimal rehabilitation experience, we are excited to partner with Victoria Burgess, Certified Sports Nutritionist and founder of Tactical Athlete Nutrition and Performance. Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago where she now teaches undergraduate, masters and doctoral classes in the exercise science/ nutrition department. Victoria was also an Adjunct Professor in the Exercise Science department at Nova Southeastern University and served as a Firefighter/Paramedic since 2005.

 Victoria will work side by side with your physical therapist to create an individualized program that connects performance, nutrition, and recovery. Modifying your diet throughout the recovery process provides a variety of benefits including weight management, maintaining muscle mass and strength, facilitating muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, decreasing oxidative stress, improving bone health, and maximizing performance.

Dietary adaptations may include:

◊ Increasing or decreasing daily caloric intake

◊ Timing of meals

◊ Modifying macronutrient ratios (carbs, fats, protein)

◊ Timing of macronutrients

◊ Supplementation

◊ Hydration

Following initial consultation, Victoria and your physical therapist will work together to develop a plan to maximize your rehab and recovery experience. Your individualized plan will consider your current diet and physical activity level, body composition determined by the Seca medical Body Composition Analyzer (image below), phases of rehab, and personal goals.  

Each individualized nutrition program includes:

• Personalized macronutrient and supplement plan
• Weekly monitoring and check-ins
• Unlimited app communication
• Body composition tracking
• Meal adjustment help

Inactivity following surgery can lead to muscle atrophy, decreased insulin sensitivity and systemic inflammation. While local inflammation is necessary for healing, sustained gross inflammation can lead to a myriad of other health issues. Muscle atrophy following surgery can begin with 24-48 hours. Dietary modifications during this time can help maintain healthy body composition and aid in recovery. Proper nutrition can assist in strength gains, increase lean muscle mass, improve energy levels, mental capacity and alertness. An individualized nutrition plan can also increase metabolic function, improve recovery time, and prevent secondary health complications. Victoria is committed to providing top quality service and practical tools to produce positive results. 

If you are interested in learning more about how a nutritionist can help you reach your fitness or rehab goals, comment below!

Written by Hannah Sweitzer