The Dos and Don'ts of Successful Physical Therapy Treatment

If your physician has prescribed a course of physical therapy for you, you may wonder what to expect, and you may wonder if the treatment will relieve your symptoms. If you feel a little apprehensive about your first physical therapy appointment, you’re aren’t alone. Apprehension is normal, especially if you've been experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort.

While results can vary from patient to patient, a few dos and don'ts will help you achieve the best outcome from your physical therapy treatment.

When you arrive at your first physical therapy appointment, your therapist will perform a physical exam, as well as obtain a detailed account of your past medical history. You should be able to describe when you first noticed symptoms of your condition, how often symptoms occur, and if a specific activity triggers your pain and discomfort. You should also discuss any medical conditions that may interfere with your ability to perform certain exercises.

If you have difficulty remembering your past medical history, you can take a family member along to your appointment to help document these pertinent details. Another good idea? Make a list of important information before your appointment. A written list can help you feel less overwhelmed at your initial consultation.

Patients who are motivated to begin their treatments may experience better outcomes, as patients who are motivated are more likely to be involved in their treatment and follow through with their program. If you struggle with feeling unmotivated, discuss your feelings with your therapist. Your therapist can address your thoughts and feelings and help ease any concerns you have.

Be honest with your therapist, and don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are having difficulty learning the techniques of a specific exercise, ask for additional assistance until you feel confident with the exercise. If you have pain following a treatment session, let your therapist know the severity and duration of your pain.

Although you may need to cancel an appointment on occasion due to illness or a family emergency, consistent appointments can make a big difference in the progression of your treatment. Strive to keep all your appointments by scheduling other activities or errands around your treatment sessions. If possible, see if you can be seen at a different time or on another day if you need to cancel.

Your physical therapist will likely expect you to perform certain activities at home between clinic visits. These exercises are a vital part of your recovery process. Your therapist will observe you as you perform your exercises in the clinic to make certain you understand how to properly execute your home program exercises and activities.

Whether you are recovering from orthopedic surgery or dealing with a work or home injury, recovery is not a fast process. Healing ligaments, bones, and joints takes time. Recovery to regain physical strength is a lengthy process, but your ability to return to activities you enjoy is worth the wait.

Some discomfort during and following exercise treatments is normal, especially in the beginning of your program. These feelings can make some patients feel like giving up. Your therapist is trained to recognize any pain or discomfort that is beyond normal limits and will make proper referrals if necessary.

Understanding the dos and don'ts of physical therapy can help make your treatment a positive experience for you and your therapist. It will also help you achieve the best outcome possible for your condition. Contact us at Advanced Physical Therapy for all of your physical therapy needs.