Overcoming Immobility and Weight Gain

Conquering Sciatica and Rediscovering Joy of Movement: Retired Woman Reclaims Her Life with Personalized Nutrition and Exercise

Rachel, a retiree experienced difficulty with inactivity due to joint pain and sciatica which left her sedentary and causing weight gain over the years. Pain radiating from her right leg hindered her ability to perform daily tasks which caused a decline in her quality of life deteriorating her health even further. Before approaching us, she was conflicted about trying recovery as they led to more pain after an initial session. 

Feeling discontented about her current state, she decided to seek professional help from us. During our discovery consultation, we conducted a thorough understanding of her, dietary preferences, exercise routine and most importantly her daily practices she used to enjoy. We uncovered three potential limiting factors to his progress. 

Rachel’s sedentary lifestyle presented crucial obstacles:

• Highly refined carbohydrate diet: We quickly identified the source of her rapid weight gain over the years from her consumption of packeted carbohydrates and sugary snacks.
• Stress & Boredom eating: While unable to keep up with her regular lifestyle, Rachel was unable to keep herself busy and active which led to idle snacking and stress eating which consistently increased her weight.
• Adversity to movement: Pain is a resisting component when it comes to recovery, however when we avoid pain and stop, it only further atrophy the joints.

Our approach:

Based on our findings, we applied similar strategies when working with children, having caretakers monitor and support her recovery process. As Rachel is starting on her recovery journey it is important that she enjoys the challenges, balancing ability and function. We implemented three intentions for her recovery.

• Mobility without pain: We introduced a progressive mobility exercise structure focusing on functional painless movements, building her confidence to take on more challenging movements that were similar to her old lifestyle.
• Occupying free time: While she is unable to move to her full extent, our team and her care takers created and suggested both online mobile games and offline board games, puzzles and activities which she could occupy her time with.
• Transition of snack accessibility: As snacks were a part of her daily routine, we did not want to remove that component, thus we supported her caretakers by listing out her fruit and vegetable preferences and provided healthy snack alternatives. 

Results Achieved: 

Within two months from implementation, Rachel was comfortable moving, she has also engaged a physical trainer to help with her recovery keeping a journal of her progress. She has also lost 4 KGs during the short time as her metabolism rate increased from the increased physical activity and dietary improvement.

Testimonial: 

“I was unhappy with my health, not moving and always in pain. I want to thank Nathan for helping me understand I can make small changes and improve my life. I do not want to be like other people sitting in a wheelchair that is why I want to do something. – Rachel

Maintenance: 

To keep Rachel consistent with her achievements, we provided a framework for her caretakers and for her to apply when encountering any challenges. Being accountable partners for her journey, we conduct regular reviews of her progress and support other goals that she has and prevent relapse. 

Are you struggling with mobility and weight gain? Schedule a free discovery consultation to learn how personalized nutrition can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.