Physical therapy is not just for an athlete recovering from an injury. It often does help aid them in recovery, though. However, it is not just for athletes. In fact, it is beneficial to everyone. Anyone experiencing pain and mobility issues can benefit.
A physical therapist has had special training and possesses skills to allow them to effectively treat patients. Treatment plans are designed to improve mobility, stability, and flexibility. Yoga and other movement exercises are part of the program. Each physical therapist (PT) has a different approach. However, the goal is the same. So, if one does not work for you, you can always try another. Now, how we get the most out of physical therapy?
Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Physical Therapy
Be informative.
Your PT will do a physical examination on your first visit. They will ask questions about the pain and when it started. If you had surgery, however, they will ask about the cause. Plus, telling them when the pain started is also a top priority. Certain conditions can be more easily identified that way. Give an accurate timeline if possible!
Set goals.
Think about what you are hoping to achieve. Is the goal of treatment related to a sport or activity? Or do you want to just walk the dog without pain? Whatever your goals are will determine the treatment course.
Commitment is important.
The number of appointments you need will vary. Some courses may be longer than others. Regardless, you must stay committed to therapy. Minor injuries can be two visits. More severe injuries, however, can take months. Your progress will depend on two things. Keeping appointments and doing the recommended exercises.
Do your homework.
You need to do your own work outside of the therapy sessions. The PT teaches exercises that improve muscle strength and joint mobility. Repetition is essential for improvement. Therefore you need to be consistent and work at home too. Follow the directions provided to improve. Without this, it will be hard to know why symptoms are not improving. Therefore, it may be essential for your physical therapist to adjust the treatment plan.
Do not skip sessions.
Even when you are in pain, do not skip appointments. The therapist needs to know when you are in pain. Assessing this helps them effectively treat pain. They can then adjust your program for better results.
Find space.
Give yourself a dedicated space at home for exercise. A spare room or a gym will work just fine. What matters is having the correct amount of space to move and focus on exercising.
Ask questions.
Speak up about any new pain or lingering pain. Do not assume every pain is normal. The smallest details can help your PT solve big problems. So, if you do not ask, concerns cannot be addressed.
Stick to the topic.
It is common to come to therapy for one problem and bring up another. Your therapist can treat multiple issues, however not at the same time. A new area of concern needs to have its own evaluation and treatment plan. You may also need to get pre-approval from your insurance for this. A separate schedule entirely will need to be developed.
Communicate openly.
Stay in communication with your doctor and physical therapist. If there is an issue with an appointment, let them know. If there is any confusion about the exercises, speak up. This way, you can keep exercising instead of waiting for the next session. Repetition is key. So, you don’t want to miss out on crucial time.
The most crucial risk is a previous injury. Your PT will advise how to avoid future injuries. This is always done at the end of successful treatment, though. They will let you know about the exercises to keep going with. You may have to adjust some equipment too. So, whatever is best to prevent a repeat injury, do it. And get the most out of physical therapy.
If you are looking for a top physical therapist in the area, contact us at 888-409-8006.
