2 Simple Tips That Will Help You Get More Use Out Of Your Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is designed to help you heal and move forward with your life. It is designed to help you conquer whatever ails you and learn how to use your body again to better your life. In order to get the most out of your physical therapy, make sure that you show up on time, ready to work, and know how to describe the pain you are feeling.
#1 Show Up On Time
If you want to get the most out of your physical therapy, you need to make sure that you are ready to work when you have an appointment. Unlike doctor's appointments, physical therapy sessions typically start on-time. Physical therapists have their schedules set up so they see one patient after another, often with little to no breaks in between appointments outside of required work breaks.
That means that it is vitally important to show up on time for your appointment. If you show up five or ten minutes late, all you are doing is cutting into the time that you have to work with your physical therapist. You are giving your physical therapist a break, but you are not doing yourself any favors.
When you show up, make sure that you are ready to work. You should be wearing clothes that will allow you to comfortably complete your physical therapy. If you need to change clothes, get to your appointment early so you can get into workout clothes and be ready to go when your appointment starts.
#2 Know How To Describe Your Pain
You are generally attending physical therapy because you have injured one part of your body and you need to work on rehabilitating that part of your body. Most people who are attending physical therapy are dealing with some type of pain.
You can get more out of your physical therapy if you are able to describe your pain. Before you go into your session, think of the descriptive words that you can use to describe your pain. For example, is your pain stabbing in a particular area or does it leave your body with an all-around aching feeling?
Next, think carefully about when you experience pain. Do you feel it all the time? In the morning? After you do particular activities?
Being able to describe your pain will help your physical therapist more effectively target your treatment. Be prepared to give a status update about how you feel each time you attend a session, as you are likely to be asked by your physical therapy how your body feels. This helps your physical therapist determine what is working and what they can to do help you out more.
