Sometimes after an accident or injury, you’re lucky enough that you heal perfectly on your own. But there are many times when you need to do some physical therapy to help the healing process along. It could be that broke your arm and need to get the strength back, or you could have suffered something as significant as a stroke. Physical therapy can require a lot of work on your part, but it’s worth it to help you get the movement back in the affected area. Sometimes your doctor only sends you home with a list of exercises, but occasionally you need some extra help. If you need to go through some physical therapy, take a look at these tips to get the most out of it.
Finding a Physical Therapist
If you have had an accident or suffered an injury, your doctor might be able to help you by referring you to a therapist. However, many people choose the professional they work with based on who their insurance covers and the area they specialize in. If you’re worried about paying for the therapy, or the cost of being out of work, you could look at injury solicitors. If you’ve had an accident, a lawyer might be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Call your insurance provider to ask them about the services they cover and how many visits they will pay for.
Attending Your Sessions
Physical therapy can be wearing, but putting in the effort is worth it to get the results. Go to your visits with a positive attitude, ready to tackle your injury. You’ll come out feeling tired but accomplished, if everything goes well. Don’t be put off by setbacks because they happen to everyone, and remember that there’s always another day. On the practical side of things, make sure you dress appropriately in athletic, loose-fitting clothing to give you better freedom of movement. Look out for your health during your sessions, drinking plenty of water, and being careful not to push yourself too hard.
Discussing with Your Physical Therapist
You get to have a say in your therapy – it’s your body, after all. Give yourself the opportunity to discuss things with your therapist, including your goals and the timeframe in which you want to achieve them. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and let them know when you feel pain. Some types of pain are natural to the healing process, but others could be detrimental to your health.
Exercises at Home
No matter how much help you receive from a physical therapist, you’re likely to need to do some therapy independently. Doing exercises that your therapist has given you at home is an important part of recovery to help you make progress between your sessions with your doctor or therapist. Your therapist should give you a list of prescribed movements that you can do on your own, although in some cases it’s better to exercise when you have a partner to help you. Your therapist can provide you with diagrams so that you know how to do each exercise.
