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Diet and nutrition are key components of many conditions managed by physical therapists.

Nutrition can directly affect recovery and function while an individual is under a physical therapist's care. Thus, PTs should be concerned with and address nutritional intake and eating patterns of their patients and clients. 

PTs should consider several factors before engaging in nutrition and diet services.


Recommended Content

Considerations Related to the PT's Role in Nutrition and Diet

Jun 2, 2020 / Article

Nutrition: A Portion of PTs' Menu of Services

Sep 1, 2017 / Feature

Role of the Physical Therapist and APTA in Diet and Nutrition

Sep 20, 2019 / Policies & Bylaws


Additional Nutrition and Physical Therapy Content

Making a Positive Impact on Healthy Body Image and Diet

Jun 29, 2021 / Perspective

Current trends continually place an emphasis on unhealthy dietary habits and negative body image standards.

Nutrition in PT Practice Shouldn't Be Hard To Swallow

Jun 15, 2021 / Perspective

The lead author of two recent PTJ articles on the PT's role in nutrition says the profession can make a difference.

Integration of Nutrition in Physical Therapist Practice

Jun 14, 2021 / Podcast

Dr. Jette and the author discuss a range of issues, from the relationship and professional boundaries between physical therapists and dieticians, to practical recommendations for identifying and understanding the behaviors, socioeconomic determinants, and environmental factors that can affect access to proper nutrition.

Food for Thought and Action – Defining Moment

Jul 1, 2020 / Podcast

As we move through life, we are confronted by moments, unexpected and unplanned, that can change us forever, if only we allow them to do so. By Ann W. Jackson, PT, DPT, MPH

Staying Resilient in a Time of Crisis

Apr 14, 2020 / Perspective

During this crisis we can study and apply the principles of wellness into our own daily lives.

Health Through Movement and Nutrition

Oct 28, 2018 / Perspective

Students volunteered their time to participate in a garden cleanup effort at one of the local community gardens near the campus.

Nutrition and Physical Therapy: A Powerful Combination

Aug 14, 2018 / Perspective

Research shows that PTs can play an active role in lifestyle-related interventions, such as nutrition.

Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)

Article

The MNA is a 6-item screening tool used to identify risk of malnutrition among older adults (aged 65+).