Modern Manual Therapy Blog - Manual Therapy, Videos, Neurodynamics, Podcasts, Research Reviews
Intermittent Fasting or Plant Based Diets: Which is Better? - themanualtherapist.com


I recently finished the Huberman Podcast with Dr. Panda, an known expert in the area of intermittent fasting and circadian rhythms. It was an awesome podcast covering many topics -- be sure to check it out! After listening to this podcast it got me thinking about my own published research in intermittent fasting and how it stacks up against certain dietary patterns, especially a plant-based diet.

We have discussed intermittent fasting before in other blog posts, as well in our 3 course certification bundle. In short, intermittent fasting is adapting the feeding schedule of person to restrict food to certain times or certain days. A classic intermittent fasting schedule that I used in my research was one day of feeding and one day of fasting. Obviously this works well for animal and insect models but in humans it can prove to be difficult for compliance. As such, many researchers, and clinicians now, use a more palatable for of intermittent fasting commonly known as time-restricted feeding. Time restricted feeding is just another term for intermittent fasting where people will use sleep and a more narrow feeding window each day to achieve a fasted state (e.g. feeding at 11am until 7pm, fasting from 7pm until 11am). Thus far intermittent fasting, calorie restriction, and time restricted feeding has shown improvements in health and longevity in animals. Short term studies have also shown positive health benefits for humans, as featured in the Huberman podcast by Dr. Panda. 

So which is better: plant-based dieting or intermittent fasting? Both plant-based diets and intermittent fasting have been shown to have potential benefits for long-term health, but it's difficult to say which is definitively "better" as it depends on individual factors and goals.

Plant-based diets have been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. These diets are typically high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being low in saturated fats and cholesterol. However, it's important to note that a plant-based diet does not necessarily equate to a healthy diet. One can still consume highly processed and unhealthy plant-based foods.

Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, has been linked to improved metabolic health and decreased risk of chronic diseases. It involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, with popular methods including the 16/8 method, where one fasts for 16 hours and eats during an 8-hour window, or the 5:2 diet, where one eats normally for 5 days and restricts calorie intake on 2 non-consecutive days. However, it's important to note that intermittent fasting may not be appropriate for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or a history of disordered eating.

Ultimately, the best approach for long-term health may be to adopt a balanced and sustainable diet that works for you as an individual, which may include elements of both plant-based eating and intermittent fasting, as well as other healthy lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, stress management, and sufficient sleep. As physical therapists we should foster patients to explore the right diet for them by encouraging them to engage their physician or registered dietitian in creating a personalized approach to optimizing long-term health. I like to build a referral network in my practice of dieticians, physicians, and specialist with whom I can refer to for specialized care -- you should do the same and also think about expanding your knowledge in the area of nutrition.

If you like what you see here then know there is more in our 3 board-approved continuing education courses on Nutrition specific for Physical Therapists. Enroll today in our new bundled course offering and save 20%, a value of $60!



Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!

Learn more online - new online discussion group included!


Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. 
  • NEW - Online Discussion Group
  • Live cases
  • webinars
  • lecture
  • Live Q&A
  • over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! 
  • Check out MMT Insiders
Keeping it Eclectic...

MMT Q&A: How to Treat Open Lock TMJ? - themanualtherapist.com


A PT who attended a live Modern Manual Therapy TMJ Seminar had this question. How do I treat open lock TMJ - she has high fear avoidance and passes out each time this happens. It last happened in 2016 and now she has only 1 finger width of opening.
Untold Physio Stories - Emergency Referral Lessons - themanualtherapist.com


Erson is joined by one of the OG PT Influencers, Dr. Zac Cupples. Zac and Erson go way back! Back when people read things called blogs. Zac has two great stories about the assumptions you make when you refer someone. Even with explicit instructions on what to say, a lot of things get missed, miscommunication happens. You need to follow up, especially if they are emergency referrals! We hope you learned something valuable should you have to do the same, chances you will! You can find all of Zac's courses and work on his site.



Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

Helix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started.

Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual

Curv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices.
Keeping it Eclectic...

Untold Physio Stories - Learning the Hard Way with Jamey Schrier - theManualTherapist.com


This episode Erson is joined by former Therapy Insiders Podcast Guest Jamey Schrier. It's been years since they caught up, and not only does Jamey have an amazing story about learning things the hard way, Erson has an update to a funny anecdote he shared on the older podcast. Have you ever had anything similar happen to you and what did you learn from it?

Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by


Helix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started.


Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual


My PT Insurance - Insurance just got easier. check out the self employed and employed plans. Easy sign up and coverage that follows you wherever you practice in the United States. Save $20 if you sign up using our link.


Keeping it Eclectic...



A Guide to Processed Foods for PTs - theManualTherapist.com


A Guide to Processed Foods for PTs

By Dr. Sean Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN

Physical therapists are leading the charge to help clients improve not only their rehabilitation status but also their health problems. Many of these chronic health problems stem from poor lifestyle choices like poor sleep patterns, excessive stress, and bad nutrition. One key element in nutrition that Doctors of Physical Therapy can make a big impact on is education around reducing processed foods. 

In the past my team and I have recommended using Dr. Greger’s stoplight method for limiting processed foods. The system was easy to understand and convey during patient education; plus, Dr. Greger loves his information being spread in order to improve health. Now, a new method of categorizing processed foods has emerged: NOVA.

NOVA is a food classification system that groups foods based on the extent of processing they undergo. The system was developed by researchers in Brazil and is widely used in nutrition research.

The NOVA system categorizes foods into four groups:

Group 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods - These foods are the least processed and include fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean meats.

Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients - These foods are usually derived from Group 1 foods and include oils, fats, sugars, salt, and vinegar.

Group 3: Processed foods - These foods are made by adding salt, sugar, or other culinary ingredients to Group 1 foods. Examples include canned fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese, and cured meats.

Group 4: Ultra-processed foods - These foods are the most heavily processed and often contain additives such as colors, flavors, and preservatives. Examples include packaged snacks, soft drinks, and fast food.

The NOVA system aims to help people make healthier food choices by encouraging them to choose more foods from Group 1 and 2 and limit their intake of foods from Group 3 and 4. As such, DPTs can help their clients by focusing them on Group 1 and 2 food items by providing them a list of food, pictures of the food, and/or offering sample menus of meals that include Group 1 and 2 foods.

If you like what you see here then know there is more in our 3 board-approved continuing education courses on Nutrition specific for Physical Therapists. Enroll today in our new bundled course offering and save 20%, a value of $60!



Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!

Learn more online - new online discussion group included!


Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. 
  • NEW - Online Discussion Group
  • Live cases
  • webinars
  • lecture
  • Live Q&A
  • over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! 
  • Check out MMT Insiders
Keeping it Eclectic...

Untold Physio Stories - What Would Make Your Conference? - themanualtherapist.com



We're once again joined by friend of the show, Dr. Aaron LeBauer. Aaron was recently at CSM and was approached by a colleague who asked, "What would make your conference?" At the time he didn't know, but he ran into a former patient who was attending the conference! Check out Aaron's book on starting your Cash Based Practice here.

Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

Helix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started.


Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual


My PT Insurance - Insurance just got easier. check out the self employed and employed plans. Easy sign up and coverage that follows you wherever you practice in the United States. Save $20 if you sign up using our link.


Keeping it Eclectic...

Diurnal Variations of Lumbar Discs and the Varying Contributing Factors - themanualtherapist.com


Discs are always either filling or emptying with water. Intervertebral discs are the large hydraulic structures between vertebrae that separate them in the spine. They undergo significant compression forces while we are upright, walking and sitting, and decompress when lying down. And this change is also known as the diurnal change.

Untold Physio Stories - Getting Rid of Knee Tightness - theManualTherapist.com


Erson goes old school with knee and neurodynamic testing for a patient with chronic knee pain and complaints of tightness. This includes a prone knee bend/femoral nerve testing and some lumbar mobilizations. Old school and something he used to do on many patients but literally had not done in years.

 
Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

Helix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started.

Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual

My PT Insurance - Insurance just got easier. check out the self employed and employed plans. Easy sign up and coverage that follows you wherever you practice in the United States. Save $20 if you sign up using our link.

Keeping it Eclectic...