At Missing Link Physical Therapy, we believe in addressing not just the symptoms of pain but  the underlying causes that hinder recovery. One surprising contributor to chronic pain and  limited mobility lies not in the muscles or joints but at the cellular level—a result of chronic  inflammation often caused by poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, and other lifestyle factor 

Our goal is to educate and empower patients to complement physical therapy treatments with  dietary changes that reduce inflammation, improve overall health, and enhance recover outcomes. 

Understanding Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids  

One of the critical factors influencing inflammation is the balance between Omega-3  Omega-6 fatty acids in our diets. 

The Problem with Seed Oils:  

Many seed oils, such as canola, sunflower, soybean, corn, and cottonseed oil, are rich i Omega-6 fatty acids. While Omega-6s are essential for functions like hormone regulation and  cell structure, excessive consumption—common in the modern Western diet—creates a  dangerous imbalance. 

The average American diet has an Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio of 15:1 or even 20:1, whereas the  ideal ratio is 1:1. This imbalance promotes a state of chronic inflammation, which weaken tissues, impairs the immune system, and creates an environment for diseases like heart  disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer to thrive. 

What Science Says  

A UCLA study on men with early-stage prostate cancer highlighted the profound impact of  dietary fats on inflammation and disease progressio 

  •  Group 1: Consumed an Omega-3-rich diet (wild-caught salmon, walnuts,  flaxseeds) and limited seed oil 

  •  Result: A 15% decrease in tumor growth aggressiveness.   •  Group 2: Consumed a diet rich in Omega-6 fatty acids (Western diet).   •  Result: A 24% increase in tumor growth aggressiveness. 

These findings underline how excessive Omega-6 fatty acids activate inflammatory pathw like the COX-2 enzyme, accelerating cancer growth and impairing immune function. 

How to Reduce Inflammation Through Die 

Here are actionable steps you can take to reduce inflammation and improve your overall healt Replace Seed Oils  

Swap seed oils for healthier alternatives with lower Omega-6 content and higher heat stability:   •  Olive oil 

  •  Avocado oil 

  •  Coconut oil 

  •  Grass-fed butter, ghee, or beef tallow

The Missing Link in Physical Therapy: Transforming Patient Care 

Incorporate Omega-3-Rich Foods  

Add these to your diet: 

  •  Wild-caught salmon, mackerel, and sardines 

  •  Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia see 

  •  Green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli Avoid Inflammatory Food 

Reduce or eliminate: 

  •  Fried foods 

  •  Packaged snacks 

  •  Baked goods 

  •  Fast foods 

  •  Processed foods with ingredients like corn, sunflower, or soybean o Choose Quality Meats  

Look for meats labeled 100% grass-fed, as grain-fed livestock have higher Omega-6 levels  due to corn-based diets. 

The Missing Link to Wellness  

By pairing personalized physical therapy with anti-inflammatory dietary changes, you ca experience transformative improvements in your functional mobility, pain levels, and overall  health. Reducing chronic inflammation allows your body to heal more effectively and  disease, giving you the opportunity to live pain-free and thrive. 

At Missing Link Physical Therapy, we are here to guide you every step of the way—whether it’s  through hands-on care or education to support your journey to optimal health. Let’s bridge the  gap between recovery and wellness, one step at a time. 

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about how physical therapy and  nutrition work together to transform lives.