Optimising Nutrition for Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery and rehabilitation do not start and finish in the operating theatre or the gym. Nutrition plays an important role in how well the body heals, how effectively you rehabilitate, and how confidently you return to activity.

At Joint Vision, nutrition is part of the integrated care model, supporting patients before and after surgery, during rehabilitation and beyond.

Sally-Anne Livock, Accredited Practising Dietitian

Sally-Anne Livock is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with extensive experience supporting people through weight management, injury recovery and rehabilitation. She has worked closely with orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists in clinical practice and during her years teaching at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Sally works with each patient to develop an individualised nutrition plan built around their lifestyle, food preferences and health goals, with a focus on clarity: helping people understand the science of healthy eating and cut through confusion and misinformation.

Why nutrition matters in recovery

Good nutrition supports the body's ability to heal, adapt and rebuild. Where nutritional needs are not met, recovery may be slower and rehabilitation more difficult.

Weight management and joint health

Excess body weight places additional load on joints and tendons, and reducing that load can make a meaningful difference to participation in rehabilitation. Carrying excess weight can also increase inflammation, contributing to greater pain, reduced mobility and fatigue, and can affect confidence and mood when movement becomes harder.

Blood glucose control

For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, nutrition plays an important role in blood glucose regulation. Stable blood glucose is particularly important before surgery, as elevated blood sugars are associated with poorer wound healing and impaired muscle regeneration. Keeping glucose in an optimal range can also help manage hunger and energy levels.

Wound healing and infection risk

Poor wound healing and infection can delay recovery and rehabilitation, and severe wound complications may lead to prolonged immobility. Adequate nutritional intake, particularly protein and key micronutrients, supports tissue repair.

Reducing inflammation

Dietary patterns can influence inflammation, which in turn can impair wound healing, delay rehabilitation progress and prolong discomfort. An evidence-based, anti-inflammatory dietary approach can help reduce these risks.

Bone, muscle, tendon and joint health

Several nutrients are important for musculoskeletal recovery:

• Protein is a building block of muscle and bone. Total intake, protein type and distribution across the day all matter.
• Calcium contributes to bone strength and structure.
• Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and bone health.
• Zinc and vitamin C play roles in wound healing and surgical recovery.

A tailored nutrition plan ensures these requirements are met in a way that suits each person's preferences and lifestyle.

Nutrition and quality of life

Beyond physical recovery, good nutrition supports overall wellbeing. People often report increased energy, improved sleep, and better concentration and mood, with research showing a link between healthy eating patterns and improved mental health.

Nutrition is not about restrictive diets. Wherever possible the focus is on practical, sustainable changes: simple food swaps, realistic meals and habits that fit into everyday life.

Booking a dietetics consultation

Sally-Anne Livock consults on site at Joint Vision, working alongside the orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists and rehabilitation team. Private health rebates may apply, and Medicare chronic disease management and WorkCover referrals are accepted where applicable.

You can read more about dietetics at Joint Vision or book an allied health appointment.