8 Ways to Improve the Effectiveness of Your Physical Therapy Treatment
If you’re in physical therapy, you’re probably aware of how much work it takes to get the full benefits! Maybe you’re in a pain management program, or maybe you’ve been in an accident and are dealing with discomfort and physical limitations.
Whatever the reason for your treatment, Maximum Rehabilitation Services has 8 excellent suggestions to help you get the most out of it. Do you want to learn more? Call our clinic today to learn more about physical therapy and its benefits.
8 ways to get the best therapy treatment possible
1. Keep a journal to track your progress.
No, it doesn’t have to be a leatherbound diary in which you record every detail of your day, including your hopes, fears, and dreams. A progress journal can simply be a notebook with a few dozen blank pages that you have lying around. Write down how your body feels every day, before and after physical therapy exercises.
Make a list of things you’d like to be able to do once your treatment is over. Make a list of encouraging phrases to refer to when you’re feeling down. In a few months, you’ll be able to look back on this journal and see how far you’ve come and how much progress you’ve made!
2. Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of water!
Eating the right foods and getting the nutrients you need to function properly is critical if you want to have maximum energy! Consume plenty of vegetables, lean meats, and fruits to keep your body in peak condition. Consume plenty of water and avoid sugary and processed foods.
3. Keep all of your physical therapy appointments.
Look, if you don’t put in the effort, you won’t see any results! We understand that things happen and that you may need to reschedule an appointment or two, but please try to keep your appointments as consistent as possible so that you and your Maximum Rehabilitation Services physical therapist can continue working together toward your goal.
4. Complete your homework!
When you receive physical therapy treatment at Maximum Rehabilitation Services, you will be given specific exercises and stretches to complete at home on your own time. Make sure you set aside time every day to practice them so you can continue to progress outside of your appointments!
5. Be truthful to yourself…and to your physical therapist!
Your Maximum Rehabilitation Services therapist values your input, opinion, and feelings when it comes to your therapeutic treatment! Speak up and let them know if something is causing you pain or discomfort so that your treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly. You don’t have to suffer in silence or convince yourself that you’re being unreasonable; please let us know if you’re uncomfortable so we can modify your therapeutic exercises to meet your needs.
6. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
When it comes to your health, there are no dumb questions, especially when a physical therapist is involved! The human body is an extremely complex machine. If you don’t understand how two parts of your therapy are related, you should feel free to speak up. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Why should I do this?” or “How will this knee exercise benefit me?” Our therapists are experienced and knowledgeable professionals who will gladly explain anything you don’t understand. The more you know about your treatment, the more comfortable you will be.
7. Establish and maintain goals.
At the start of your treatment, your physical therapist will most likely ask you what your end-of-treatment goals are. What are you unable to do right now because of your pain, for example? Maybe it’s something to do with your job. Perhaps you just want to be able to run around the yard with your pet or children again. Having a goal to work toward will keep you motivated throughout your treatment and will also provide your therapist with an idea of where to start your therapy.
8. Get a good night’s sleep before going to therapy.
Being well-rested is always a good idea, but it is especially important before engaging in physical activity or receiving therapeutic treatment at Maximum Rehabilitation Services. Getting enough sleep can make a big difference in your alertness during your therapy session. The more energy you have, the more concentrated you can be on your exercises and stretches!
Are you ready to feel your best again?
Do you suffer from a nagging ache that keeps you awake at night? Are you tired of being unable to do the things you enjoy on weekends due to pain or physical limitations? Physical therapy may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Call Maximum Rehabilitation Services to learn more about physical therapy and how you can supplement your treatment outside of appointments. We can’t wait to see you and help you get back on your feet!