Hi, If you or someone you know are undergoing physical therapy what can you do to enhance you sessions and help to get the best outcome? Well, in between sessions there are many things you can do! In fact you and what you do outside the clinic can really help or hinder your progress.
Here are some of my tips for success:
- Ask us questions! When you think of a question for us, perhaps write it down so we can address it.
- Start to really notice the postures and positions you are in throughout the day. Are they helping you or adding to your discomfort?
- Make sure…really make sure you make time to perform your prescribed home exercise program. Think like a pirate, ARGHHHH! and just TAKE THAT TIME-rarely will someone give it to you…
- As you learn from us, look around at your environment. Is your computer or workstation set up to help you or hurt you? What activities are you having trouble with? Let’s get after it! 😊
- Now we peek at overall lifestyle/ healthy habits…water consumption, nutrition-lets support your body’s ability to heal! Take small steps to bring your body back into balance for support while recovering or rehabilitating.
- Prioritize yourself during this process as much as possible- I know that’s tricky sometimes, especially if family members depend on you… I get it! However, in over 30 years in PT…I can tell you that if you don’t…the consequences become far more difficult to climb up out of. We need to rise up a bit and set boundaries…with love of course!
- As you are getting better, begin to think about prevention/management of your body, including vulnerable areas such as old injuries, chronic types of conditions- perhaps open up to new activities-start slow of course!
- Talk to your therapist or doctor about what skills or fitness level you need to do activities you would like to do. Do you like classes and exercising with others or by yourself? Do you like to be outdoors or inside? This also doubles as a goal to think about during your rehab. Having some fun thing to look forward to is an amazing motivator!
- This one is a big deal: Be honest with your therapist about your pain. If certain exercises or activities cause discomfort, stop and talk with your therapist. We can feel a lot of things but your pain is not one of them. We are a team-textbooks and experience do not tell your story, only you do.
- Fear is another biggie- lets face it, going back to activity after an injury can sometimes at the very least be uncomfortable. Sometimes people avoid things like walking on a hill or lifting and carrying objects. It’s something worth discussing with your PT. Your PT can help determine what is safe to return to and what may be best left alone. Let’s work together! These are just a few tips to help you get the most out of your PT. I really hope you find them helpful. I am happy to bring you information to help you feel healthier and happier.