7 Ways to Breeze Through Physical Therapy
Pick the Right PT
Just like your doctor, you want a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist who has experience with your condition. Ask questions about their background, the plan for your therapy, any special equipment you will need, and how long your treatment will last. You should be able to talk comfortably about what happens during your sessions and be able to openly discuss any concerns or questions you have with your therapist.
Know Your Goals
What do you want to be able to do after physical therapy? Get out of a chair more easily? Play tennis again? Have less difficulty completing daily tasks? Know what your goals are and make sure your Physical Therapist does, too. They will customize your plan of care to help you achieve your goals. Short-term gains are important, too. Celebrate each step along the way, no matter how small!
Do Your “Homework”
Your therapist may give you exercises to do at home between appointments. It is important to do them to help your recovery continue to progress. Many of the benefits from PT comes from the work you put in on your own, away from the clinic.
Come to Your Appointments Regularly and On Time
Consistency is key! Your therapist will prescribe a plan of care based on your condition to get you back to feeling better as quickly as possible. Sticking with your plan of care is important to keep your recovery on track and prevent regression. We know things come up in life and you may need to reschedule an appointment. Our caring Patient Care Coordinators will help you reschedule your appointments when needed.
Wear Appropriate and Comfortable Clothing
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with non-skid soles to every appointment. Your therapist may move the joint that is bothering you to test how well it works, check how you walk, ask you to get up out of a chair, or do other motions. If your therapist(s) assigns exercises for you to do at home, they will demonstrate and then watch you do them to make sure your form is correct.
Don’t Overdo It
Keep up with your home exercises but follow your therapist’s instructions. If you add more weight and reps, or exercise more often than you’re told to, you will not heal any faster. You might even set your recovery back or develop a new injury. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact your therapist before your next appointment.
Manage Pain
It’s important to stick with your therapy program, but don’t ignore your body’s warning signals. Talk to your PT about any discomfort and ask for tips about how to deal with it. Keep up with your home exercises but follow your therapist’s instructions.