Dr. Wells offered an amazing Keynote Speech at the Southwest Florida Orthopedics conference in Fort Myers on June 3rd. With almost 400 in attendance, physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons were able to learn much of the data Dr. Wells and his colleagues have been gleaning regarding the impact of nutrition on orthopedic health.

Several talking points were discussed with a focus on gut health, inflammation, and dietary patterns for common orthopedic conditions. Dr. Wells presented data showing how the gut microbiome can impact inflammation and pain response in people with orthopedic conditions. He also discussed how a low-fiber diet and advanced glycation endproducts in food can increase the odds of worsening arthritis of the hip, knee, and shoulder. Rheumatoid arthritis can also be improved with the use of fasting, vegetarian diets, and omega 3 supplementation. The discussion on tendon tears made it clear that alcohol, abnormal blood cholesterol, and an ultra processed diet can be bad news. Such findings have implications for rotator cuff tears, achilles tendonitis, and tennis elbow.

At the end of the discussion, Dr. Wells made it clear that PTs and orthopedic surgeons must work together with registered dieticians and look at the body as a whole — not just its joints and parts!

Call us today to schedule a PT consult that is holistic and focuses on your whole body, not just its parts!