What’s Next After PT? Tips on Getting Your Life Back to Normal!
After Experiencing Physical Therapy
It’s human nature to wonder when you can go back to living your life as usual again. Physical therapy is always to help patients get back to their prior level of activity while keeping them free from pain and preventing future injuries. This could mean they end up being even more active than before their injury – as the recovery process will inspire them live a healthier lifestyle overall. Whatever your goals are, remember that returning to activities shouldn’t be a stressful experience!
When are you ready to move on from Physical Therapy to a more strenuous activity such as running, hiking, or playing a sport? A large part of that decision is made by your doctor and your Physical Therapist. They periodically re-evaluate your pain level, strength, flexibility, and range of motion. This evaluation will feel very similar to the initial evaluation you received during your first appointment. Depending on your personal goals, your therapeutic exercise program includes a variety of activities that eventually can be done outside of the physical therapy clinic.
What If You Are Hesitant With PT?
Your PT can coordinate with your coach or trainer when you are hesitant. They make sure you ease back into things safely. Many clinics offer group fitness programs specifically designed for patients in your situation. These programs are managed by Strength & Conditioning Specialists who also have a lot of knowledge in Sports Medicine. With the help of quality Physical Therapy care, you will no longer worry about your concern and be able to get back on track with work, sports, or training at the gym! Due to more options now available for patients that are transitioning stages of treatment, there is recovery waiting for you just around the corner!
You’ve completed your physical therapy and you’re ready to start living your life again. For most people, that means being able to do everyday tasks like tying their shoes or playing with their kids. But it can also mean getting back to the things you love, like your favorite recreational activity. . Even though you may have completed your treatment plan, it is essential to keep up the healthy habits you developed during physical therapy. To sustain your progress after therapy sessions end, here are some key areas to focus on in your daily routine.
Take personal inventory.
Although you may be chomping at the bit to get back into your pre-quarantine physical activities, it is important to first take a step back and understand how your body currently feels. However, by utilizing the help of a physical therapist, you can reduce these issues and start thinking about participating in activities again.
Food for Fuel
Too often, people forget about the importance of nutrition and hydration. Keep in mind that food is fuel for your body — we need to consume the right amounts of nutrient-rich items to help wounds heal. What “good” nutrition looks like varies from person to person, but you can make small changes, such as incorporating more protein or healthy fats into your diet. Secondly, proper hydration is key to guaranteeing that those nutrients reach the parts of your body requiring mending. If you’re athletic, experts recommend chugging one ounce per pound of body weight- so bottoms up!
Sleep and Recovery
Getting enough sleep is a vital part of staying on the road to successful rehabilitation. When we slumber, our bodies do most of their repair work. Although there are various ideas about how much sleep each person needs, having a nightly routine and getting the same amount of rest every night generally makes a positive difference in terms of good sleep hygiene.
Your Home Exercise Program
Once you finish your physical therapy, your therapist will give you a final Home Exercise Program (HEP). This way, you can keep up with your rehabilitation when you’re not at the clinic. By making sure you have everything you need to continue on after injury, therapists help guarantee success after treatment. Therefore, it’s essential that you do your HEP as prescribed by your therapist.
Are you experiencing pain post-treatment?
If you’ve tried things at home and are still having pain, it might be time to see a physical therapist again. Use our easy search tool to find the nearest one!