How To Help Get Better Results in Physical Therapy
By Stephanie Snyder
You may think that physical therapy is reserved for people who have been in an accident or healing from surgery. The term "physical therapy" may also remind you of athletes who need treatment for sports-related injuries. Physical therapy is beneficial in these instances, but you can take advantage of it if you have mobility issues, chronic pain, or muscle weakness.
Brian Bradley, a physical therapist at UW Health, says that pain often doesn't occur out of anywhere. Over time, tissue overload and wear and tear on your joints can cause discomfort. The stretching and muscle strengthening exercises you participate in during physical therapy can help, but it may take some time to see results.
Physical therapists have a variety of skills and backgrounds, which dictates how they interact with patients. If you think that physical therapy may be beneficial for you, here are some tips for getting the best results during your therapy sessions.
Keep Up With Your Medical History
At your first physical therapy appointment, you'll get an exam to see what your physical issues are. Your physical therapist will also ask you questions to determine which parts of your body are hurting the most and how long you've been experiencing pain. Make sure you keep up with your medical history so you can answer these questions accurately.
Set Health Goals for Yourself
Think about your goals for therapy. Are you looking to return to a sport you love to play? Do you want to be able to exercise without pain again? Your goals will help you and your therapist work together to improve your physical health.
Stick to Your Appointments
Make sure you attend all your appointments. The number of times you have to go to physical therapy will depend on how severe your pain is and the nature of your injuries. You'll see progress faster if you attend every physical therapy session and reschedule as soon as possible if you have to miss an appointment. Remember that it's best to go to your appointment even when you're in pain. Working out your muscles and joints can improve the pain. You should also tell your physical therapist if you're in pain so they can come up with solutions to help you.
Do Your "Homework"
You'll have to do some work outside of your therapy appointments to accelerate the healing process. You may be asked to perform specific exercises or strength-training activities at home to improve your flexibility and mobility. If you don't follow your treatment plan, you may not get the best physical therapy results.
You should have a designated space to do your physical therapy "homework" to keep you committed to a schedule. It may also help do yoga in between physical therapy appointments to calm your body and mind and improve your circulation.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
While you may think aches and pains are normal, you should still mention them to your physical therapist. If you start to feel discomfort that you haven't felt before, let your therapist know. If you have questions about your treatment process or need to know which exercises are best for you when you're at home, express your concerns. You can also inquire about the equipment that is used during your therapy appointment. Your physical therapist may use TENS machines, weights, and exercise balls to improve your movement. Remember that your physical therapy appointments are customized and designed for your healing.
In addition to keeping the lines of communication open, it's essential to keep up the excellent physical therapy work. You're at greater risk of injury if you've had a severe injury before. Once your physical therapy treatment is over, your therapist can provide recommendations on preventing pain and injury in the future and providing you with an exercise regimen that will keep you in great shape for years to come.