Once you begin physical therapy, you will determine a set of goals for your movement and health that you are working towards. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, healing after surgery, or just addressing chronic pain, physical therapy can help you return to life as usual. While most people are anxious for this to happen quickly, physical therapy is a process that requires time and commitment in order to properly see the benefits. However, there are things you can do to get the most out of your program. Follow these tips for improved results and better, faster healing!
Be Communicative
It can be difficult to describe the type of pain you are feeling and how severe it is whether it is back pain, neck pain or other sorts of bodyaches. These measures are objective and may be interpreted differently by different people. However, the more accurately you can describe this, the more information your physical therapist can start with. Before you enter your session, take a moment to close your eyes and focus on your pain, thinking about what it feels like and how you may rate it on the traditional 1 to 10 pain scale.
As you talk with your provider, it’s important you understand your diagnosis and any treatment plans they lay out. Fully comprehending this will help you be successful as you can get a “big picture” view of what the coming weeks or months might entail. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something so that you have all the information you need to meet your goals. Understanding why and how you have been prescribed certain treatments can make you more effective.
Be Prepared
One of the biggest ways to maximize your physical therapy sessions is to maximize your time- meaning you should arrive on time! Make sure you are also wearing clothing that allows you to move around without overheating. Think about what you would wear to the gym- breathable, loose clothing that offers easy access to your injured body part.
You may also have a lot of questions to ask- what your exercise routine is, how many reps you need, what pain to expect, etc. Coming prepared with questions can help you to remember what you wanted to ask. It can also be helpful to ask for material to take home with you that lays out your exercises, so you are ready to do them at home.
Be Diligent
You will likely be asked to do exercises at home as a part of physical therapy. Unfortunately, your home may prove more difficult than a dedicated space at the doctor’s office. You may have distractions or a less-than-ideal space, and you may feel less motivated. No matter what, doing your home exercises is extremely important- you should do no more or less than you were told to. Making sure you put your mind to it and create a routine, even when it is difficult, is a part of your healing.
Be Cautious
After a few sessions, you may begin feeling better. This can make it tempting to return to normal activity levels. But you should be careful- and discuss any new activity with your physical therapist. Always make sure you take the advice of your doctor over anyone else, and don’t be fooled by the early impact of therapy. You still need time to heal and trust you will get back to your previous activity levels when you follow the routine.
Be Healthy
Doing physical therapy is a great start towards health and wellness. But it’s just one step, and you need to make sure you are taking care of your body in other ways to support your therapy. Staying hydrated, being as active as your doctor recommends, and eating a balanced diet are all important during your therapy. One of the benefits of physical therapy is it addresses the root cause of your pain, allowing you to avoid overmedicating and other unhealthy ways of coping with pain.
Be Treated Well
Choosing the right physical therapy provider can make all the difference. There are a lot of benefits in visiting a physical therapist for your injuries. At AICA Orthopedics, not only are our physical therapists experts in the field, they work with a range of other specialists, from chiropractors to neurologists, to make sure your care plan is entirely comprehensive.
When you visit AICA Orthopedics, a physical therapist will help to design a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals, walking you through it to ensure you understand the protocol and what to expect. To begin your physical therapy, contact AICA Orthopedics today.
