Physical therapy is a great treatment option if you’ve experienced an injury, undergone surgery, or suffer from chronic muscle or joint pain. Physical therapy is often recommended for patients seeking pain relief, increasing mobility, or regaining function. However, the great results from physical therapy aren’t always permanent. Here are some ways to extend those benefits and experience a more complete recovery.
Listen to Your Physical Therapist
Not only is your physical therapist trained and experienced, but they also create your treatment plan and monitor your progress. Listen to them if they recommend slowing down or intensifying your exercises or stretches. Your physical therapist’s goal is to speed up your healing process and get you back to your normal activities as soon as possible. Of course, if something isn’t working for you, you should let them know. But they always have your best interests in mind. You can use the information you receive from them even after you complete your physical therapy program.
Set Goals for Your Therapy
Your physical therapist will set goals for your treatment in-office. However, it’s also important to set goals for yourself outside of rehab. For example, set goals to get back to physical things that you used to enjoy pre-surgery or pre-injury. If you used to walk your dog a mile every day, set a goal to get back to that. Start slowly and always let your physical therapist know about your progress. Your personal goals will help them set more realistic goals in therapy.
Do Your Homework
During physical therapy, your therapist will most likely give you work to do outside of your appointments. The exercises and stretches your therapist gives you to do at home are meant to improve your strength and mobility. It’s very important to do your homework! Following your therapist’s directions and recommendations at home makes you more likely to meet your goals.
Ready to begin a physical therapy treatment plan? Let us know! Give Activity First Physical Therapy a call today.