Importance of Weight loss for Mobility debilitating Injury Rehabilitation

When treating Injuries that affect an individual’s ability to move around (mobility), the focus is often only on improving the diagnosed cause of the injury, and sometimes the contributing causes of reduced mobility is neglected, such as additional/excess body weight. In fact, reducing your body weight won’t only improve the ease at which you are able to move about, but shedding a few extra kilos will also reduce the impact of force on the injured joints or muscles, and therefore result in less strain.

As a Biokineticist (Henro), I have often neglected to refer my patients to a Dietitian for a weightloss program, especially those who are so debilitated by their injury that an increase in activity (to increase caloric output), is very limited and sometimes impossible. I often thought that my basic knowledge of nutritional guidelines would be enough, however; I soon realized that these individuals require a customized program in order to make a lifestyle change. I realized that if my patients can’t increase their caloric output, I would have to refer them to a professional that can assist with a weight loss diet in order to reduce their caloric intake within healthy range, because the basic guidelines will just not suffice.

In doing so we (Healthcare professionals), were able to assist our patients not only to improve their injury symptoms, but also improve their mobility, which in turn allowed them to increase their caloric output and increase their rate of weight loss.

This also has a positive effect on an individual’s self-esteem, and overall well-being, which at the end of the day results in a satisfied customer.

For optimal success we as Healthcare professionals need to work together, and remember that it is NOT to help each other, but in the best interest of our patients.