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Physical Therapy

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.

Let’s connect!

I am seeking to build relationships with dedicated occupational & physical therapists whose expertise I can trust when referring patients for care. If you are accepting referrals, I would love the opportunity to connect and better understand your assessment and treatment methods. Please contact me anytime. 

Dr. Boyd Ricks

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:

Post-Operative Nutritional Support

Focus Areas:

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.