When you need to regain your strength after an accident or surgery, your doctor may send you to a therapist that focuses on building muscle. Physiotherapy appointments often continue long-term, and can help with everything from learning to use a broken arm again, to learning to walk after a severe injury. When you have been assigned a therapist, you may go through an introductory period where you learn the exercises and treatment plan. There may even be some trial and error as the right plan is organized. As a patient, you are in control of a large portion of your recovery. There are a few things that you can do to make the most of your time with a specialist.
1. Do Your Homework
When you come to an appointment unprepared, you cannot accomplish the things you need to. Physiotherapy offers many concepts that build on each other over time. Each appointment may be a time when a new concept is introduced. You may be given exercises to do at home so that you can be prepared for the next session. Strength building is also a daily endeavour. Help yourself get better faster by keeping up with home assignments.
2. Keep all Doctor’s Appointments
Working to get healthy again may require visits to more than one doctor. The doctor that prescribed the therapy may need to see you for regular checkups. When you miss these appointments, complications may not be caught on time. Your body is going through many changes. Your recovery may take longer if you skip doctor’s appointments. You may find the information and resources useful on the Dr Keogh website.
3. Rest
It is important to show up well-rested to your physiotherapy appointments. When your body is in recovery you need more rest than normal. You may need to adjust your schedule to get the sleep you need. It may be necessary to skip extra social outings and opt for evenings at home with a movie or book. The sacrifice is worth it in the long-run.
4. Eat and Hydrate
If you show up to an appointment hungry or dehydrated, nothing is going to be accomplished. Bring a water bottle with you, and eat a light breakfast or lunch before your activity. If you are fitting your session in on your lunch break from work, pack protein bars or other healthy snacks to get you through the exercises.
5. Communicate
It is important that you communicate with your therapist and your doctor. If something is hurting or feeling a little out of place, speak up immediately. In many cases, an injured area can relapse. Healing may also be taking longer due to stress or malnutrition. Everybody heals differently, as well. If you feel pain in the middle of an exercise, say something right away. Your therapist wants you to succeed and stay safe.
Physiotherapy is a great way to build your strength after a traumatic physical event. The human body is extremely capable of healing and resuming normal activity. Muscles take time to heal, however. You can match your therapist’s efforts by completing exercises at home and taking care of your overall health. When you communicate and cooperate with your doctors, you are sure to recover more quickly.
