Nutrition and Soft Tissue
I sustained a major injury to my ankle in 2014. I tore several ligaments, and had a fasciotomy done to the top of my foot. My mother and sister stayed with me for a week to assist and nurture. While visiting, my mother pointed out how important protein was in the soft tissue healing process. She intuitively observed that extra nutritional support was needed to help the body recover and repair. This advice inspired me to do some research, and understand how vitamins and minerals assist our soft tissue.
Soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, fascia, tendon, skin, fat, synovial membranes) is found all over the body. A massage therapist can palpate tissue that is not optimal. It can feel:
Boggy (too much water)
Hard and thick (not enough water, sugar levels too high)
Swollen and hot (inflammation)
Not enough tone (possible endocrine issue)
High tone setting (chronically tight, endocrine issue, or overuse)
Experienced hands can guide a massage therapist in understanding what dietary factors might be affecting the client's soft tissue, and how to refer the client for nutritional education. Integrative Physicians, Acupuncturists, Naturopaths, and Chiropractors can give excellent guidance, and are licensed to suggest specific supplements.
Massage clients suffering from joint pain often report feeling better if they lower sugar in their diets. Too much sugar can create inflammation, so curbing intake can help manage pain. If a client has a sprain or strain, ingesting more lean animal protein, whey protein with a complete amino acid profile, and vitamin C can help the repair and recovery process. Magnesium and calcium combination relax the nervous system and tight muscles, making it easier for injured or chronic pain clients to sleep.
My own soft tissue self care involves an organic diet with vitamin and mineral supplementation. I usually have lean protein three times a day. A palm sized serving of sardines, wild salmon, clams, chicken, turkey breast, or eggs is satisfying, and keeps my mood high. I also make sure to have vegetables three times a day. These include celery, broccoli, cucumber, leek, parsnip, beet, and more. Snacks are usually dark chocolate, or a handful of raw almonds with some berries.
I take Vitamin C, B complex, B-12, D, selenium, zinc, copper, chromium, magnesium/calcium, and a probiotic daily. These are staggered out over the course of three meals.
Each individual has specific soft tissue nutritional needs that are affected by age, lifestyle, health conditions, and more. Specific testing can be done by a licensed integrative medical doctor or alternative health clinician to determine which kinds of vitamins and minerals are needed, and what foods can support soft tissue health and repair.
Here is a link to a great article about nutrition:
http://www.sdcenterforhealth.com/topics/162-nutrition-for-soft-tissue-healing