Whether recovering from an injury, healing from surgery, or addressing chronic pain, everyone wants a magic bullet cure that takes as little time as possible. But sometimes, you benefit more from a more gradual process, like physical therapy.
Your customized physical therapy program includes movements, stretches, and strength-building exercises chosen specifically to address your unique needs — and results don’t happen overnight.
However, just because physical therapy is a long-haul commitment doesn’t mean you’re stuck waiting. Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain in Torrance, California, know that physical therapy can be the key to unlocking a pain-free life. But we also know that waiting for results can be frustrating.
Here, we highlight a few ways you can be an even more active participant in your physical therapy program, maximize your sessions, and ultimately heal faster.
During your entire physical therapy program, keeping tabs on your progress is important to determine if we need to adjust your program. So, keep a diary of your symptoms at the beginning of your treatment plan, and talk to us at the start of each session to let us know how you’re feeling.
When you’re in the thick of physical therapy, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. For this reason, many patients ultimately quit their program early. To ensure you stay in it for the long haul, consider setting personal goals. Do you want to play with your kids without pain? Are you looking to get back to dominating the pickleball court?
Whatever it is, fixate on your goal to give you a mental boost during your sessions.
Depending on why you’re doing physical therapy in the first place, you may need a week’s worth of intensive sessions, or you may only need to show up a few times. Either way, attending every appointment is crucial.
We understand that life can get in the way, and even your pain can make it tempting to skip sessions. Remember, your physical therapist is a compassionate professional who can help you work through some of the conflicts that may hinder your progress.
Most every physical therapy program comes with a set of exercises to do at home between your appointments. We recommend finding a space in your house dedicated solely to your physical therapy “homework” or getting a gym membership so you can exercise without distraction.
As we mentioned before, your physical therapist wants to hear from you. That means you have the floor to ask questions, voice concerns, and discuss anything about your program and progress. That said, keep your sessions focused on the problem in question. Bringing up every ache and pain can distract you from your ultimate goal.
Physical therapy is only one part of the puzzle. Once your program is over, it’s up to you to keep up with your at-home regimen, eat a healthy diet, and take steps to avoid injury.
Physical therapy is one of the best ways to heal and find pain relief, but the best results develop when you’re willing to put in a little extra work. Don’t worry — you have access to experts who walk with you every step of the way, answering your questions and helping you maximize your program.
If you’d like more information about how to get the most out of your physical therapy program, don’t hesitate to call our friendly staff at 424-232-8930 or book an appointment online.
