Introduction
The gut microbiome — the trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive tract — plays a surprisingly important role in musculoskeletal health and injury recovery. Once thought to mainly aid digestion, gut microbes are now recognized for their influence on nutrient absorption, inflammation control, hormone production, and even tissue regeneration. These factors directly affect muscle growth, bone strength, and the body’s ability to heal from injury. When the microbiome becomes imbalanced, a state known as dysbiosis, recovery can be slowed, and chronic musculoskeletal problems may develop.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a nurse practitioner and chiropractor in El Paso specializing in work, sports, personal, and motor vehicle injuries, has observed that patients with poor gut health often show delayed recovery, higher inflammation, and greater musculoskeletal discomfort. His dual-scope approach — blending chiropractic care with advanced medical diagnostics — enables a comprehensive view of how gut function can influence injury rehabilitation outcomes.
(How gut microbes help mend damaged muscles, 2024)
How the Gut Microbiome Regulates Nutrient Absorption
One of the most direct ways the gut microbiome supports musculoskeletal health is by regulating nutrient absorption. Key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, along with vitamins such as vitamin D and K, are essential for muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and bone mineralization. Specific bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which enhance intestinal lining integrity and improve nutrient uptake (Calcium: a pivotal mineral, 2024).
When the gut microbiome is healthy, it efficiently extracts these nutrients from food and supplements, providing the raw materials muscles and bones need for repair. Conversely, dysbiosis can cause malabsorption, leading to deficiencies that weaken musculoskeletal structures. For example, impaired calcium absorption due to microbiome imbalance can result in reduced bone density, slower fracture healing, and a higher risk of injury (Microbiome in motion, 2025).
(Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and muscle growth, 2021; Calcium: a pivotal mineral, 2024)
Modulating Inflammation for Faster Recovery
Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, but when it becomes chronic, it can delay recovery and damage tissues. The gut microbiome influences inflammation through immune modulation. SCFAs and other microbial metabolites help regulate immune cell activity, preventing excessive inflammatory responses that can harm muscles and joints (Owlstone Medical, 2024).
Dr. Jimenez emphasizes that inflammation management is one of the keys to successful rehabilitation. In his clinical experience, patients who adopt gut-friendly diets — rich in fiber, fermented foods, and polyphenols — often report reduced swelling, less joint stiffness, and improved mobility after injury. He incorporates anti-inflammatory nutritional strategies alongside chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and acupuncture to accelerate recovery.
(Digbi Health, 2024; Aspire PT and Wellness, 2024)
The Microbiome’s Influence on Hormone Production
Hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol all affect muscle repair, bone health, and connective tissue strength. The gut microbiome can regulate these hormones through its interaction with the endocrine system. Certain gut bacteria produce metabolites that signal the body to increase anabolic hormone production, which aids muscle protein synthesis and bone regeneration (IGI-Global, 2024).
A balanced microbiome also helps maintain cortisol at healthy levels, preventing stress-related muscle breakdown. Dysbiosis, on the other hand, can lead to hormonal imbalances that slow healing and increase susceptibility to injury.
(PMC9132697, 2022; MyProtein, 2024)
Impact on Muscle Growth and Strength
Emerging research shows that the microbiome may directly influence muscle growth and performance. Gut bacteria produce SCFAs that serve as an energy source for muscle cells, boost mitochondrial function, and enhance protein metabolism. Studies have found that microbiome diversity is associated with greater muscle mass, strength, and endurance (Harvard Medical School, 2024).
Dr. Jimenez integrates strength-building protocols into his rehabilitation plans, ensuring that patients engage in safe, progressive resistance training while supporting their microbiome through targeted nutrition. He notes that patients who focus on gut health during rehab often experience faster strength gains and fewer setbacks.
(PMC11988348, 2024; Harvard Medical School, 2024)
Role in Bone Health and Density
The gut microbiome affects bone through nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and hormone production. Healthy gut bacteria can increase calcium absorption, stimulate bone-forming cells, and reduce bone resorption — the breakdown of bone tissue (Calcium: a pivotal mineral, 2024).
Short-chain fatty acids from gut microbes have been shown to improve bone mineral density, making bones more resilient to fractures. Dr. Jimenez uses advanced imaging to track bone health in his patients, especially those recovering from fractures. He has observed that bone density improves more consistently when gut health is addressed alongside physical rehabilitation.
(PMC11062616, 2024; Tandfonline, 2024)
Dysbiosis and Its Effects on Recovery
Dysbiosis — an imbalance of gut microbes — can impair musculoskeletal recovery in several ways. It may lead to chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and weakened immune function. Patients with dysbiosis often experience persistent pain, slower tissue repair, and a higher risk of reinjury (PMC12137108, 2024).
Dr. Jimenez routinely screens for signs of gut imbalance in patients with delayed recovery, integrating functional medicine approaches such as dietary changes, probiotics, and prebiotics to restore microbial balance.
(PMC10965282, 2024; Aston RX, 2024)
Clinical Integration: Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Approach
As a dual-licensed chiropractor and nurse practitioner, Dr. Jimenez brings a unique skill set to musculoskeletal injury care. His approach combines:
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Dual-scope diagnosis — blending chiropractic assessment with medical evaluation
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Advanced imaging — MRI, CT, and ultrasound to pinpoint injuries
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Comprehensive rehabilitation — chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, acupuncture, and exercise therapy
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Legal-medical expertise — documentation and coordination for personal injury cases
By addressing the root causes of pain — including gut health — Dr. Jimenez helps patients achieve optimal recovery. His integrative protocols not only repair injuries but also enhance whole-body resilience.
(DrAlexJimenez.com, 2025)
Chiropractic and Integrative Medicine for Recovery
A comprehensive rehabilitation plan may include:
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Chiropractic care — restoring spinal and joint alignment for optimal nervous system function
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Massage therapy — improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and aiding lymphatic drainage
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Acupuncture — modulating pain signals and supporting inflammation control
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Nutritional guidance — promoting a gut-friendly diet to enhance recovery
This holistic approach not only repairs damaged tissues but also helps prevent future injuries by improving biomechanical function, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall health.
(West Limerick Physio, 2024; IAOM-US, 2024)
Conclusion
The gut microbiome is a key but often overlooked factor in musculoskeletal health and injury recovery. By supporting nutrient absorption, regulating inflammation, influencing hormone production, and promoting muscle and bone strength, the microbiome plays a vital role in rehabilitation outcomes. Dysbiosis can hinder healing, but targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies can restore microbial balance.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s integrative approach — blending chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced diagnostics — demonstrates how addressing gut health alongside physical therapy can accelerate recovery and improve long-term musculoskeletal resilience.
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep is essential for anyone seeking to optimize musculoskeletal function, speed injury recovery, and prevent chronic issues.
References
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and physical medicine, as well as wellness, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and the jurisdiction in which they are licensed to practice. We utilize functional health and wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol. To discuss the subject matter above further, please contact Dr. Alex Jimenez or us at 915-50-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*
