A Holistic Approach to Physical Therapy
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), I’m passionate about helping patients regain function and improve their quality of life. My journey into physical therapy has been both deeply professional and personal. My name is Dr. Boyd Ricks, and I bring over 12 years of experience in occupational and physical therapy, enriched by a focus on functional nutrition. Below, I share insights into physical therapy’s musculoskeletal approach, the importance of nutritional support, and a holistic perspective on recovery.
If you are dealing with physical injuries and need a Physical Therapist referral, please scroll to the bottom to see who our dedicated occupational & physical therapists partners I trust for the best possible musculo-skeletal care. If you are already receiving physical therapy care but are still inflammed or would like to nutritional support to facilitate your return to optimal physical form, please schedule your Initial Consultation with me HERE.
Dr. Boyd Ricks, BS, MOT, DPT
Common Injuries Seen by Physical Therapists
Frequently Seen Injuries Physical therapists often address:
Knees: ACL injuries, meniscus tears, and total knee replacements.
Hips: Hip impingements, labral tears, and replacements.
Shoulders: Rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, and dislocations.
Less Common Injuries
Ankles: Sprains, Achilles tendinitis.
Wrists: Carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures.
Neck and Low Back: Whiplash, herniated discs, chronic back pain.
Surgical Statistics
Over 600,000 total knee replacements are performed annually in the U.S.
Over 1.2 million spinal surgeries are performed each year.
Rotator cuff surgeries exceed 250,000 annually. (Sources: National Institutes of Health and PubMed.gov)
A Typical Physical Therapy Approach
Most patients have complex health profiles with multiple comorbidities, such as hypertension, poor digestion, and chronic pain. Consider a patient preparing for a total knee replacement. They might be on blood pressure and pain medications, suffering from poor sleep due to knee pain.
Treatment Focus
Reduce inflammation and swelling.
Strengthen lower extremities.
Improve gait patterns.
Provide a tailored home exercise program to enhance functional activities and activities of daily living (ADLs).
Bridging the Gap: Nutritional Support
The Natural Health Improvement Center addresses the gap between musculoskeletal issues and proper organ nourishment. Healing, detoxing, and repairing require nutrient-dense foods and herbs, enhancing pre- and post-operative recovery.
Macronutrients
Protein and Fats: Essential for building healthy tissues, muscles, and organs.
Carbohydrates: Primary source of energy but do not contribute to tissue regeneration.
Pre-Operative Nutritional Support
Focus Areas:
Support liver function to process anesthesia. (ex. Livaplex, Renafood, Milk Thistle Forte)
Prepare the body for efficient recovery. (ex. Ligaplex II, Glucosamine Synergy, Calcifood)
Reduce pain through natural anti-inflammatory foods. (ex. Boswellia Complex, Turmeric Forte, Tuna Omega-3 Oil)
Post-Operative Nutritional Support
Focus Areas:
Minimize inflammation. (ex. Boswellia Complex, Turmeric Forte, Tuna Omega-3 Oil)
Enhance tissue regeneration. (ex. Ligaplex II, Glucosamine Synergy, Calcifood)
Detox heavy metals from surgical implants (e.g., knee or hip replacements). (ex. Parotid PMG, Chelaco, GI Adsorb)
Surgery-Induced Lupus
Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) face heightened risks during and after surgery, including major complications and increased mortality. Studies emphasize the need for integrated care and revised perioperative protocols to improve outcomes for these patients. (Source: PubMed.gov, Article 23740232)
In most autoimmune cases, the spleen is involved (1, 2, 3, 4). Hence, we often include spleen support (ex. Spleen Dessicatted, Spleen PMG, Echinacea Premium)
Success Stories
Case 1: Surgery-Induced Lupus Reversed A patient developed lupus symptoms post-surgery. With targeted nutritional and physical therapy interventions, symptoms resolved, improving overall health and quality of life.
Case 2: Burn Victim’s Remarkable Recovery A burn patient exceeded surgeon expectations, healing faster with an integrated regimen of physical therapy and functional nutrition. The combination accelerated tissue regeneration and reduced pain significantly.
Conclusion
Physical therapy is evolving to include not only a musculoskeletal focus but also a broader understanding of how nutritional and organ health impacts recovery. By embracing this holistic approach, we can help patients achieve faster, more sustainable healing and empower them to reclaim their lives.
Please contact us anytime if you would like to collaborate for improved patient outcomes.
If you are in the Treasure Valley, we recommend these partners of ours for your physical therapy needs. These colleagues of ours go above and beyond for their patients and are our top recommendations within the Treasure Valley. Dr. Boyd has personally met with each of them.
Premier Physical Therapy
13839 W. Meadowdale Dr.
Boise, ID 83713
(208) 908-6899
www.premierptboise.com
Rebound Physical Therapy
2204 E. Lanark Street, Suite 100
Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 908-7907
www.reboundptidaho.com
