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Rehabilitation: 5 Natural Ways to Speed Up Bone Healing

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Rehabilitation: 5 Natural Ways to Speed Up Bone Healing (by Sportsperformance Physiotherapy)

Bones can repair themselves after being fractured or broken. However, bone healing can be long, lasting from a couple of months to a year or more. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help speed up bone healing and reduce the risk of complications. Here are five natural ways to facilitate bone healing:

 

  1. Eat plenty of protein. Protein contains amino acids that are essential building blocks for bone repair. Good protein sources include chicken, fish, legumes, eggs, nuts and seeds.

  2. Consume collagen-boosting foods. Collagen is the main protein that gives strength and structure to bones. Foods high in Vitamin C and amino acids like proline help boost collagen production in the body. These include berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and bone broths.

  3. Avoid smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow to healing bones, slowing the bone repair process. Quitting smoking can help speed up recovery after fractures.

  4. Manage your weight. Being overweight puts extra stress on bones. Healthily losing excess weight can aid bone healing.

  5. Try bone-supportive supplements. Supplements like vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and MSM have been shown to support bone repair and remodelling. Talk to your physician before starting any supplements.

 

If you experience hairline or mild fracture, magnetic therapy may be help to facilitate the healing in addition. This is a prescription by doctors to patients with relatively mild bone fracture, and talk with your doctor to learn more. 

 

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy uses pulsating magnetic fields to increase blood flow, stimulate stem cells and activate growth factors that aid bone regeneration. Studies show PEMF can:

  • Speed healing time for fractures by up to 50%

  • Boost callus formation and bone mineralization

  • Improve spinal fusion and non-union fractures

  •  Reduce pain and swelling

 

PEMF is non-invasive and safe. It's often used with physical therapy and supplements to facilitate faster bone healing after injuries like fractures and surgeries. Talk to your doctor about PEMF options that may help speed your bone recovery.

 

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