Congratulations! You have done all the hard work and you are ready to graduate from therapy! As much as we love our patients, we are happy to see you feeling and doing better, and We want you to thrive being on your own. So, what now? Here’s 4 tips to keep you on track:
- Keep up with your homework!
You and your PT have worked hard to establish these exercises that have helped you feel better, so why stop now? Make sure at your last session or last few sessions, you establish a routine with your therapist that it is manageable for you to continue at home. You may also want to ask about progressing your exercises when they become too easy. We often see people come back with a “flare up” because they have stopped doing these exercises! Save yourself the pain and establish a plan now to guarantee your success!
- Motion is lotion!
Our bodies are built to move! Not only should you keep up with the exercises, we recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week (about 30 minutes per day). It is important to have two or more days per week of strength training each week (you can ask your therapist to create a strengthening program for you if you do not already have one!). Now that you have recovered from your injury or reduced your pain, it’s a perfect time to do your “homework” and take up a new activity: walking, biking, yoga, swimming, or any other exercise you choose (as long as your PT approves it!).
(source: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/physical-activity-guidelines-for-americans/index.html)
- Take care of your health!
Your overall health can affect your aches and pains. Eating well, drinking enough water, and sleeping enough are all tied into your overall well-being. There is a strong link between your physical health, mental health, and pain. Keeping yourself healthy will likely help in decreasing your pain.
- Remember our number… just in case
We hope you are better forever! But sometimes aches and pains can come back and you need a few sessions to get back on track. Typically, if you can get into physical therapy soon after the pain starts or the injury occurs we can help get you back faster. Waiting for the pain to “go away on it’s own” can lead to chronic pain and become difficult to treat. However, if you feel it is a different type of pain or something more serious please consult your primary provider. Revolution will still be here for you!