Need Physical Therapy? 4 Ways To Make Your Treatment More Effective
If you've been involved in an accident, and you need physical therapy, make sure you receive maximum benefits from the treatment. You might think that physical therapy is a one-way street. One where the physical therapist does all of the work. However, that's not usually the case. There are actually a few steps that you can take to improve the recovery process and to make physical therapy more effective for you. Here are four of those steps for you to follow during physical therapy.
Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone
If you're getting ready for physical therapy and you've never received this type of treatment before, you might not know what to expect. If you're like some people, you might expect the treatment to be comfortable. Unfortunately, that's not necessarily the case. Your physical therapist will want you to move beyond your comfort zone, which means some of your treatment will be downright uncomfortable. This is especially true when it comes to moving joints and muscles that haven't moved in a while, or that have sustained a serious injury.
Know When to Say Enough
Now that you know your physical therapy might be uncomfortable, and even unpleasant from time to time, you might be planning for pain. While there might be some painful moments during your physical therapy, the pain shouldn't be unbearable. If you experience pain during your treatment sessions, don't be afraid to take a time-out. Open communication with your physical therapist is essential for effective treatment. Your physical therapist needs to know when you are experiencing significant pain. That way, your therapist can modify your treatment.
Be an Active Participant
If your doctor has recommended physical therapy, it's time to become an active participant. The more you take an active role in your physical therapy, the more effective the treatment will be for you. First, make sure you attend all of your scheduled appointments. Second, take notes during each of your sessions. Third, ask plenty of questions about your treatment. Finally, take time to do your exercises at home. The at-home exercises will help speed up the recovery process.
Accept Additional Help
When it comes to physical therapy, it's important for you to know when to ask for, and accept, additional help. This is an important step when you're recovering from an accident. For instance, if you find it difficult to navigate at home, be sure to share this information with your doctor and with your physical therapist. You may be able to receive additional assistance during your recovery period.
For more information, reach out to a local physical therapy center.