Don't Leave Your Physical Therapy Appointment Before You're Sure About These Things
When you're getting ready to leave the clinic at the end of your physical therapy appointment, it's important to realize that the healing isn't done when you walk out the doors. While your physical therapist will make progress on your health condition during the treatment, he or she will also recommend that you perform various exercises at home between appointments. Failing to do so may impede your progress, so it's important to take this "homework" seriously. You should make sure to never leave your appointment until you're sure about these details.
Specific Exercise Mechanics
Your physical therapist will take some time to demonstrate exactly how you should be performing each of your exercises. If you're confused about any of the details, it's critical to speak up before you leave the clinic. Performing an exercise in an incorrect manner may exacerbate the condition you're looking to fix; at the very least, it probably won't provide you with any benefit. If you have any confusion about the mechanics — for example, you might wonder which muscles groups to tighten when you're performing a push-up — make sure that you get your therapist to demonstrate the exercise again.
Reps And Sets
Generally, a physical therapist will tell you how many reps and sets of each exercise to perform, as well as how often you should be doing the exercise. For example, the therapist may recommend two sets of ten reps every day between appointments, or you may be instructed to alternate between exercise days and rest days. It's critical to understand this guidance. Sticking to a specific goal of reps and sets will allow you to strengthen your muscles without overworking them. While you may feel that it's commendable to exceed the goal, you may actually be doing harm in the form of stressing the muscles.
What You Shouldn't Feel
Even with proper guidance, it's possible to perform an exercise incorrectly. For example, if you don't hold your abdominal muscles taut while you perform a push-up, your back will sag. In time, you may develop back pain as a result of your incorrect exercise mechanics. Ask your physical therapist what sensations you shouldn't feel. For example, some muscle aches may be common after a workout, but your therapist will advise you about pain to watch for. For example, if there's a sharp or shooting pain, you need to know that this pain isn't natural, and that it should prompt you to discontinue the exercise until your next appointment.
For additional information, contact a chiropractor who offers physical therapy services, such as Joseph M Crum DC.
