Nutrition - Case Profile

Profile
49-year-old female runner with a non-painful limp. Initial onset was lower right quadriceps stiffness, developing into a limp after completing the Boston Marathon. Bone scan revealed possible osteoarthritis and an MRI revealed moderate patellofemoral chondromalacia (asymptomatic). Physical therapy, yoga and acupuncture did not resolve the limp.

Treatment
Thorough NMT examination and treatment for trigger points that could be interfering with muscle firing patterns: quadriceps, hamstrings, abductors, adductors, gluteals and psoas muscles. Gait retraining, fascial taping and hip flexor strengthening were all ineffective. Discussion about nutrition revealed poor dietary habits and dehydration. Client only drinks Diet Coke and does not eat any fruits or vegetables.

Result
Since neither structural nor biomechanical sources were causing this limp, a nutritional deficiency of Omega 3/6 oils was suspected. Muscle health and nerve transmission can be affected by prolonged faulty biochemistry. Although prior laboratory testing was unremarkable, this client was referred to a physiatrist for case management from a biochemical, neurological and nutritional perspective.