Discover how Registered Dietitians and Physical Therapists work together as part of an interdisciplinary team to support your health and recovery.

As a Registered Dietitian, my goal is to help people manage their health through medical nutrition therapy (MNT). I work with individuals dealing with chronic conditions, guiding them on how to use food and lifestyle changes to optimize their health and achieve long-term wellness goals. While nutrition plays a critical role in overall well-being, it’s only one part of the puzzle. For a truly holistic approach, interdisciplinary collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as Physical Therapists, can make a significant difference in the care and outcomes we provide to patients.

In honor of Physical Therapy Awareness Month, I thought I’d provide some insights into how Registered Dietitians and Physical Therapists can work together to improve health outcomes and why following both food/nutrition modifications and physical therapy protocols is key to managing chronic conditions and reaching wellness goals.

But, first, I’d like to spotlight three fantastic Physical Therapists—all pictured here in this post’s featured image—whom I had the great pleasure of interviewing on my DishWithDina podcast:

• Dr. Stephanie Shane Telibasa (Episode 002) specializes in caring for the busy New Yorker in her practice, House of Physical Therapy, a boutique medical office. Stephanie is a graduate from Stony Brook University. With a background in both Biology and Psychology, she has developed a strong appreciation for the mind-body dichotomy and views wellness from a whole body perspective.
• Dr. Jill Kissel (Episode 107) is a certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist and Physical Therapist, and the owner of Leaps and Bounds, PT which has locations in NY and NJ. Jill graduated with her Master’s in PT in May 2002 and obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May 2009. After working in a variety of settings, Jill fell in love with pediatrics while providing early intervention services.
• Dr. Matthew Brown (Episode 116) is the Owner of Corrective Physical Therapy and Sports Performance based out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Matthew graduated with a degree in kinesiology from Arizona State University and received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University before opening up his clinic. He helps former athletes get back to their favorite activities.

The Power of an Interdisciplinary Approach to Health

When it comes to health management, no single approach works in isolation [1]. Registered Dietitians and Physical Therapists offer unique, complementary expertise that addresses different aspects of the healing and recovery process. Physical Therapists focus on movement, strength, and function, helping patients recover from injury, surgery, or manage conditions that affect mobility. Registered Dietitians, on the other hand, provide guidance on how food choices can support overall health, aid in recovery, and prevent disease progression.

Incorporating both physical therapy and medical nutrition therapy into a treatment plan is particularly valuable for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or musculoskeletal issues. For example, while a Dietitian may work with a client to develop a balanced diet that supports muscle repair and reduces inflammation, a Physical Therapist might recommend specific exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility [2]. This combined approach helps address the root causes of health concerns from both a nutritional and physical standpoint.

How Registered Dietitians and Physical Therapists Collaborate

A strong partnership between Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Physical Therapists (PTs) can be especially beneficial for patients who need to follow complex care plans [3]. Whether working together in clinical settings, rehabilitation facilities, or private practice, we aim to improve the quality of life for our patients by addressing both physical and nutritional needs. This can be crucial when managing conditions that require rehabilitation, such as recovering from surgery or injury, or managing long-term diseases.

For example, in patients recovering from orthopedic surgery, physical therapy protocols are essential to restoring mobility and function [4]. At the same time, proper nutrition can promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve overall energy levels [5]. In such cases, a Registered Dietitian may recommend increased protein intake to support muscle rebuilding, while the Physical Therapist focuses on exercises that strengthen those muscles without causing further damage.

Similarly, for people managing conditions like arthritis, where both diet and physical activity play important roles in managing symptoms, the collaboration between RDs and PTs can help patients improve their mobility and reduce pain. Anti-inflammatory diets combined with physical therapy exercises can work together to reduce joint pain, enhance range of motion, and prevent further complications [6].

Tips for Supporting Health Through Food and Physical Therapy

If you know me (through these blog posts or if we’ve worked together in any capacity), you know I love to empower people to ask the right questions and learn what they can before heading to their healthcare providers so they can play an active role in their treatment or recovery plan. If you’ll be working with both a Registered Dietitian and a Physical Therapist, it’s essential to understand how these two areas of care complement each other. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:

• Fuel Your Recovery with Nutrition – Proper nutrition is critical for supporting recovery. Follow your dietitian’s recommendations to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to heal and function optimally. For example, eating enough protein and consuming nutrient-dense foods can promote muscle repair and boost energy levels, allowing you to make the most of your physical therapy sessions [7].
• Stick to Your Physical Therapy Plan – Physical therapy plays a vital role in regaining strength, improving flexibility, and reducing pain. It’s essential to stick to the prescribed exercises and protocols set by your physical therapist. Just as nutrition needs to be personalized to your condition and goals, physical therapy should be individualized and adapted to your progress and any physical limitations [8].
• Communicate with Your Healthcare Team – Communication between you, your dietitian, and your physical therapist is key to ensuring your care plan works effectively. If you’re struggling with aspects of your nutrition plan or physical therapy exercises, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare providers. They can adjust your care plan to better suit your needs and make sure both your nutritional intake and physical activity are aligned with your health goals.
• Take a Whole-Body Approach – It’s easy to focus on just one aspect of your health, such as diet or exercise, but the reality is that our bodies work best when we take a whole-body approach [9]. By focusing on both what you eat and how you move, you can enhance your overall health, prevent injury, and manage chronic conditions more effectively.

Physical Therapy Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. By working together, Registered Dietitians and Physical Therapists can provide a well-rounded approach to patient care that supports both physical function and nutritional health. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your overall wellness, following both food/nutrition modifications and physical therapy protocols can help you achieve your health goals.

References

1. Health Informatics: An Interdisciplinary Approach In Health Care Management, September 2020
2. Anti Inflammatory Diet, John Hopkins Medicine
3. The Role of the Physical Therapist in Diet and Nutrition, American Physical Therapy Association, September 2019
4. Tao, J., Yan, Z., Bai, G., Zhang, H., & Li, J. (2023). Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Rehabilitation Protocol in the Perioperative Period of Orthopedics: A Systematic Review. Journal of personalized medicine, 13(3), 421. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13030421
5. Barchitta, M., Maugeri, A., Favara, G., Magnano San Lio, R., Evola, G., Agodi, A., & Basile, G. (2019). Nutrition and Wound Healing: An Overview Focusing on the Beneficial Effects of Curcumin. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(5), 1119. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20051119
6. The Ultimate Arthritis Diet, Arthritis Foundation
7. Kreider, R. B., & Campbell, B. (2009). Protein for exercise and recovery. The physician and sports medicine, 37(2), 13–21. https://doi.org/10.3810/psm.2009.06.1705
8. van de Sant, A. J. W., de Vries, N. M., Hoogeboom, T. J., & Nijhuis-van der Sanden, M. W. G. (2019). Implementation of a Personalized, Cost-Effective Physical Therapy Approach (Coach2Move) for Older Adults: Barriers and Facilitators. Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001), 42(3), E1–E16. https://doi.org/10.1519/JPT.0000000000000140
9. What Is Whole Person Health? A Beginner’s Guide to the Interconnectedness of Body, Mind, and Your Environment, October 2023, Everyday Health