We’re moving on! In last month’s blog, we looked at the first pillar of health – Movement – and how staying active supports long-term musculoskeletal (MSK) health. Now, we’re shifting gears to explore the second of our Four Pillars: Nourishment.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, managing back pain, or simply navigating daily life, what you eat and drink can have a huge impact on how you feel and function. At Cleve Chiropractic, we believe food should be delicious, of course – but also functional. It should support your healing, fuel your movement and energise your day.
Why nourishment matters for MSK health
Nutrition is more than just a meal – it’s a vital building block for your bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues. The right nourishment can help:
- Repair muscle and ligament damage
- Reduce inflammation around joints
- Improve bone density
- Support spinal disc hydration
- Regulate pain and energy levels
The opposite is also true. Poor nutrition – particularly diets high in ultra-processed foods – can increase inflammation, delay recovery and contribute to chronic MSK problems.
To help patients navigate the world of healthy eating, we’re proud to have Philippa Parish on our team. With a degree in Food Science and 15 years in the food industry, Philippa brings a unique blend of scientific insight and practical food know-how to her work at Cleve Chiropractic.
She offers Nutritional Therapy and Food Sensitivity Testing to support everything from digestive issues and fatigue to inflammation and recovery from MSK conditions. Her philosophy?
“We aren’t just what we eat – we’re what we digest, absorb, and use,” says Philippa.
Whether you’re an elite athlete or simply struggling with day-to-day aches and pains, Philippa will help you understand how your diet may be affecting your body and how to make meaningful changes. Her approach is tailored, kind and refreshingly down-to-earth.
You can learn more about her services on our new-look website.
Real-life nourishment at Cleve
Here’s how our team is embracing the Nourishment pillar:
- Josh, our physio and now a proud dad to baby Laurie, has been getting support from Philippa on batch-cooking high-nutrient meals. With a new baby at home, fast food is tempting but nourishing meals are keeping him energised and pain-free.
- Catherine Quinn, who is expecting her first baby this month, has tailored her prenatal nutrition to support musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy. Philippa has helped ensure she’s getting enough iron, folate and calcium – along with the odd slice of celebratory cake for her prize cucumber at the Frenchay Flower Show!
- Callum, who works with Keynsham Ladies FC, is supporting players with pre- and post-match nutrition. Under Philippa’s guidance, fuelling and recovery strategies are becoming a part of their weekly performance routine.
Of course, we all have our nutritional challenges. As for me – I’ve been on our annual family trip to southern France, where I did my best to not undo all of Philippa’s good advice by overindulging in croissants, cheese and wine. The struggle was real. I kept reminding myself that a balanced diet doesn’t mean cutting out all the pleasure – but it might mean saying “non” after the fourth pain au chocolat.
Luckily, Philippa hasn’t banned me yet.
MSK nutrition 101 – Philippa’s essentials
Here are Philippa’s top principles for MSK-friendly eating:
- Protein for repair
Muscles, ligaments and fascia all require protein to rebuild after movement and treatment. - Hydration for spinal health
Your spinal discs are made of water – dehydration reduces their flexibility and shock absorption. - Bone builders
Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D support bone density and injury resistance. - Anti-inflammatory focus
Omega-3s, turmeric, berries and leafy greens help calm chronic inflammation. - Digestive health matters
A healthy gut means better nutrient absorption. Philippa often addresses gut issues that may be sabotaging even the healthiest diets. - Minimise processed foods
Highly processed, sugary or preservative-heavy foods drive inflammation and fatigue – two enemies of MSK health.
Nourishment in practice
Whether you’re running a marathon, working long shifts, or fuelling a pregnancy like Catherine, here’s what we often recommend:
- Eat within 30-60 minutes after physical activity
- Plan meals with balance: protein plus complex carbs plus healthy fats
- Use food to aid recovery, not just energy
- Hydrate throughout the day, not just after exercise
In our next post, we’ll explore Recovery – the underrated pillar where rest meets results. Whether it’s soft tissue therapy, deep sleep, or active rest days, recovery is where the magic of movement and nourishment truly takes hold.
Until then, if you’re curious about how your diet might be affecting your joints, back, or energy, why not book a session with Philippa? She’ll help you separate fact from food fad and find a plan that works with your life (yes, even if you occasionally sneak in a cheeky croissant).
Photo by mahsa shamshiri fard on Unsplash
