Physical Therapy Tips For Success
Physical therapy can be used for a variety of reasons, including after an injury, after surgery, or due to a debilitating illness. Physical therapy works for most, but in some cases, it may not be beneficial if they are not following the orders of the physical therapist or are not performing the exercises at home as directed. For physical therapy to be a success, there are a number of things that should be done on your own. Read on for helpful information about physical therapy treatment.
Perform Each Exercise Accordingly
You cannot simply go through the motions of the exercise; you will need to perform the exercises according to the physical therapist's instructions. You should be going through the entire exercise, in the motions that are instructed. You should be using your muscles as directed, and not attempting to use other parts of the body in order to perform the exercises. This may make physical therapy more difficult and may make it feel more like exercising than therapy, but you are working the muscles and ligaments that need to be worked, which will make them stronger.
Perform Exercises At Home
You should perform the exercises at home in order to continue your physical therapy when you are not physically in the therapy office. Your physical therapist may have already given you a list of exercises to perform at home in order to continue to strengthen your body and the area in particular that was giving you the most trouble. You should perform these exercises as instructed, just as you would with the physical therapist.
Eat A Healthy Diet
In addition to your routine physical therapy exercises, you should also be sure you are eating a healthy diet in order to maintain a healthy weight. If you are not eating a healthy diet, it could inhibit your ability to perform the exercises in physical therapy and could be putting more of a strain on your body and the areas in which you are trying to strengthen. Be sure to eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily meals, and that you are also drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you are in need of physical therapy in order to strengthen your muscles or to rehabilitate after an injury, there are things you have to do on your own in order to make it a success. Physical therapy can only go so far in helping you — you have to put in the work yourself as well. Talk to your physical therapist about other helpful tips that can make your therapy a success.