Did you know that physical therapy is one of the most important aspects of recovering after major surgery?
If you’ve recently undergone surgery and you’re dealing with major pain, the best thing to do is follow the instructions of your physical therapist and recover as fast as possible. If you’ve never been to physical therapy, it can be a frightening and frustrating experience.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading to find out how to prepare and deal with physical therapy!
1. Come Prepared
If you are scheduled for physical therapy, it is important to show up prepared for your appointments. This means more than just being on time.
You should also have any paperwork the PT office has requested, wear comfortable clothing, and have a list of any questions or concerns you want to address.
By being prepared, you can make the most of your PT appointments and get the best possible results.
2. Set Goals
The most important thing you can do is to set goals for yourself. What would you like to achieve by the end of therapy? Are you hoping to be able to walk with parallel bars without pain? To run a 5k? To play with your grandkids?
Whatever your goals may be, write them down and keep them in mind during your therapy sessions. With hard work and determination, you’ll be reaching your goals in no time!
3. Take Notes
One way to help you get through physical therapy is to take notes. This can help you remember what the therapist said and what exercises you need to do.
It can also be helpful to ask questions and take photos or videos of the exercises to refer back to later. If you are struggling with an exercise, be sure to tell the therapist so they can help you modify it or give you an alternative.
Remember to stay positive and be patient with yourself, as healing takes time.
4. Pick the Right Pro
The first step in finding the right physical therapist is to ask around for referrals. Your family doctor, another PT, or even a friend might be able to recommend a good PT for you. You can also look for PTs who have experience treating patients with your particular condition.
Check their websites and read online reviews. Make sure they have experience treating your particular condition and that their treatment methods are supported by research.
When you narrow your choices, the next step is to schedule a consultation with each PT. This is a great opportunity to get to know the PT, ask questions, and see if you feel comfortable with them.
After the consultation, you should have a good idea of which PT is the right fit for you.
5. Don’t Give Up
If you are currently going through physical therapy, or are considering it, here are some tips to help you get through it. First and foremost, don’t give up. It can be tough, but it’s important to push through and see it through.
Be consistent with your appointments and exercises. The more you do, the better results you’ll see. Also, be patient.
Physical therapy takes time, but it’s worth it in the end.
Learn More About Physical Therapy Today
After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of how to approach physical therapy.
If you follow the best therapy tips laid out here, you’ll be on your way to making the most of your physical therapy and getting the best results possible.
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