Theoretical Reconstruction and Clinical Value Analysis of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Concept of “Nurturing Instead of Treating” in Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Abstract

Objective: Focusing on the scenario of holistic rehabilitation management for bone injuries, this study aims to explore the practical application value of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concept of “nourishment instead of treatment” and to investigate the implementation pathways for integrating traditional TCM therapies with modern rehabilitation techniques. Methods: By integrating historical TCM literature on bone injuries and combining it with practical clinical experience accumulated from daily diagnosis and treatment, this study outlines the intervention logic of this nourishment approach during different healing stages of fractures. It also conducts a multidisciplinary comparative analysis based on existing modern research findings in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and bone tissue engineering. Results: A comprehensive review of ancient texts and clinical case observations reveals that “nourishment instead of treatment” does not simply entail passive rest and immobilization but rather represents an active rehabilitation model that synergistically combines the regulation of qi and blood, tonification of the liver and kidneys, and emotional counseling. This model can stimulate the body’s self-healing capacity, reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, and improve long-term limb mobility in patients, aligning closely with modern holistic medical approaches. Conclusion: As a practical extension of the “preventive treatment of disease” theory in the field of bone injuries, this concept provides a reference for constructing integrated TCM-Western medicine rehabilitation protocols for bone injuries. It holds significant practical value for both clinical promotion and subsequent evidence-based medical research.