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Post-surgical recovery in spinal surgery requires a multi-faceted approach, involving physiotherapy, nutrition and targeted interventions to restore patient function. Among the modalities and products aimed at supporting recovery, Physicoll—a high-strength liquid collagen supplement developed by Clinic Nutrition—has gained attention for its potential to assist healing, including spinal surgery patients.
Collagen plays a crucial role in the structural integrity of the spine, particularly in the intervertebral discs, collagen type I and II are the most abundant. (1) These discs, which act as shock absorbers between vertebrae, are composed of collagen-rich tissues.
The annulus fibrosus contains a high percentage (about 9% of total collagen) of type I collagen (2), while the inner core, the nucleus pulposus, is dominated by type II collagen, over 85% of total collagen. (3) Spinal surgeons understand that supporting collagen synthesis and maintaining its structural integrity are essential for the healing process following spinal surgery.
Physicoll delivers a potent dose of 12,000mg of multi-type collagen (types I, II, III, and V), along with a carefully curated mix of vitamins and minerals designed to support collagen formation and tissue repair. The inclusion of vitamins A, C, and E, combined with trace elements such as manganese, copper, and zinc, helps support the body’s natural healing mechanisms, specifically targeting the formation and maintenance of connective tissues. (4,5,6,7,8,9) These nutrients work synergistically to bolster collagen production and may facilitate recovery following spinal surgery.
Research underscores the benefits of collagen supplementation in conjunction with rehabilitation therapies, including shockwave therapy, to improve patient outcomes.
For instance, in a 2021 study, investigators divided 44 participants with plantar fasciitis into two groups. In Group A, 18 participants received focused shock waves and in Group B, 26 received focused shock waves plus a complex supplement containing hydrolyzed collagen (1 g), vitamin C (500 mg), and other nutrients.
After evaluating pain improvement and foot function at recruitment, after 3 months, and after 6 months, the researchers concluded that Group B participants responded better than their Grou