Recovery Diet During Treatment

Short-Term Nutrition to Support Healing

When you are actively receiving treatment at Impact—whether laser therapy, or focused shockwave therapy—your body is in a heightened healing phase. During this window, nutrition plays a supportive role by reducing excess inflammation and providing the raw materials your tissues need to repair and recover.

This recovery diet is designed to be short-term and intentional, supporting your body during treatment before transitioning into a more flexible, long-term way of eating.

How This Fits Into the Bigger Picture

At Impact, we think about nutrition in phases, not forever rules.

  • Recovery Diet (this page): Supports healing while you are in care

  • Longevity Diet (future): Supports joint health, mobility, and overall wellness long term

Most clients follow the recovery diet for the duration of their treatment program, then transition into a longevity-focused approach once healing has stabilized.

Why Nutrition Matters During Active Treatment

Recovery therapies work by stimulating circulation, cellular energy (ATP), and tissue repair. Nutrition supplies the raw materials your body needs to respond effectively.

During this phase, supportive nutrition can help:

  • Calm excess inflammation

  • Support collagen and tissue repair

  • Improve circulation and oxygen delivery

  • Enhance recovery between sessions

The goal is not restriction or perfection—it is supporting healing efficiently.

The Recovery Plate (Simple + Temporary)

During treatment, aim for a more structured plate at most meals:

  • ½ plate: Leafy greens and colorful vegetables

  • ¼ plate: Protein (with an emphasis on plant-based sources)

  • ¼ plate: Whole-food carbohydrates (as tolerated)

  • Fats: Small amounts from whole, anti-inflammatory sources

Hydration is essential and should be prioritized daily.

This structure is temporary and becomes more flexible once treatment is complete.

Foods to Prioritize During Treatment

Vegetables First

Leafy greens and colorful vegetables provide antioxidants and micronutrients that support inflammation balance and cellular repair.

Examples: spinach, kale, arugula, romaine, broccoli, peppers, carrots, beets

Protein at Every Meal (With a Plant-Based Emphasis)

Protein is essential for tissue repair—but where that protein comes from matters, especially during active healing.

At Impact, we often encourage clients to emphasize plant-based protein sources during recovery because they offer benefits beyond protein alone.

Why Plant-Based Proteins Are Especially Supportive During Recovery

Plant-based proteins provide:

  • Protein to support tissue repair

  • Fiber to support digestion, blood sugar balance, and inflammation control

  • Micronutrients and phytonutrients that support cellular health

  • A more alkaline influence, which may support recovery and inflammation balance

Because they are often easier to digest and less inflammatory for many people, plant-based proteins can be especially helpful during a healing phase.

Recovery-Friendly Plant Protein Examples

  • Beans and lentils

  • Chickpeas

  • Black beans

  • Split peas

  • Tofu or tempeh

  • Edamame

These can be used as primary protein sources or combined with smaller portions of animal protein, depending on tolerance and preference.

What About Animal Protein?

Animal proteins can still play a role in recovery—especially for clients with higher protein needs or good tolerance. During active treatment, we generally recommend:

  • Smaller portions

  • Leaner sources

  • Less frequent reliance compared to plant-based options

The goal is not elimination—it is choosing the most recovery-supportive option during a short-term healing window.

Hydrating, Nutrient-Dense Foods

Foods with high water and mineral content support circulation and recovery.

Examples:

  • Cucumbers and celery

  • Citrus fruits and berries

  • Soups and mineral-rich broths.

Small Amounts of Healthy Fats

Fats support inflammation balance but are best kept moderate during active healing.

Examples:

  • Olive oil

  • Avocado

  • Chia seeds

  • Fatty fish

Foods to Temporarily Limit

While healing, it can be helpful to reduce foods that may slow recovery or increase inflammation:

  • Fried or heavily processed foods

  • Restaurant oils and seed oils

  • High-fat dairy products

  • Fatty or processed meats

  • Sugary drinks and desserts

  • Excess alcohol

These foods are not “bad”—they are simply less supportive during the healing phase.

Recovery Smoothie (Optional Support)

A simple smoothie to support hydration and nutrient intake:

  • Leafy greens (spinach or kale)

  • Cucumber or celery

  • Full-pulp orange juice

  • Fresh or frozen berries

  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds

This can be used between meals or after treatment sessions.

Supplements During Recovery (Important Context)

At Impact, supplements are used as short-term support tools, not lifelong requirements.

Chronic Recovery Programs

Most chronic programs include a recommended one-month supply of targeted supplements, selected to support:

  • Tissue repair

  • Inflammation balance

  • Recovery between sessions

These supplements are intended to support your body during the active treatment window, then be reassessed as you transition into long-term care or maintenance.

Acute Injury & Athletic Recovery

For acute injuries and athletic recovery, we also offer a separate recovery supplement bundle designed with active individuals and athletes in mind.

This bundle is intended to support:

  • Faster tissue recovery

  • Higher physical demand

  • Training and competition schedules

Like all recovery supplements, this bundle is short-term and supportive, not intended for indefinite use.

What Clients Often Notice

Clients who pair treatment with recovery-focused nutrition often report:

  • Less post-treatment soreness

  • Improved energy during care

  • More consistent progress

  • A smoother return to activity

Nutrition does not replace treatment—it supports the environment in which healing happens.

Transitioning Out of the Recovery Phase

Once treatment is complete and healing has stabilized, most clients benefit from transitioning into a longevity-focused approach to nutrition—one that is more flexible, sustainable, and designed for long-term joint and cellular health.

This next phase is not about staying in “recovery mode,” but about living well beyond treatment.

Important Disclaimer

This information is intended to support recovery and complement your treatment plan. It is not intended to diagnose conditions, prescribe medical nutrition therapy, or replace individualized medical or dietary care.

If you have questions about how this applies to your situation, our team is always happy to help guide you.