“Why do I have to do these exercises at home when I’m already doing them at physical therapy?”
As physical therapists, we hear this question more often than we’d like.
During a patient’s initial evaluation, the physical therapist diagnoses the problem and develops an individualized program for treating the condition. Such programs typically include hands-on treatments (i.e. heat, ice, massage), and exercises like stretches to help increase flexibility, strengthening exercises and postural exercises.
An average patient only sees their physical therapist for about 1-3 hours per week, which is a small amount of time spent to help correct a condition that may have existed for months or even years. It’s important that patients realize physical therapy is much more than what goes on “in the clinic,” and start looking at PT treatment and home exercise regimens as two halves of a whole.
If you’ve ever been on a diet, you know that you can’t just eat healthy once or twice a week and expect to see results. Well, it’s the same when it comes to physical therapy. Home exercises are meant to help retrain muscles and restore proper mobility and function. In order to keep from regressing from one therapy session to the next, it’s imperative to complete the prescribed home exercises.
Continuing a home exercise program guarantees more regular exercises, which helps the body heal more naturally. This puts less stress on the injury once you regain function and movement, and will also help to prevent injury from recurring.
Patients that follow through with these exercises are more likely to recover faster. Though it may bring on some discomfort, physical therapists will detect when patients do these exercises. They will also be able to complete exercises in therapy with greater confidence.
Here are some tips for following through with your at-home regimen:
- Make your home exercise program part of your daily routine – when you get out of bed each morning, when you get home from work – whatever works best for you; but be sure to set aside at least 30 minutes each day, or enough time to complete your exercises thoroughly.
- If your physical therapist hasn’t already given you something to take home, ask them to write up your exercise program with instructions or even provide videos online for you to follow along with to make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly.
- Set up a space in your home with whatever equipment you will need (i.e. upright chair, foam roller, small weights, etc.) where you will do your exercises daily. The more peaceful and calm you make the space, the easier it will be to focus on the exercises.
- Don’t be afraid! Many patients are fearful or anxious about experiencing pain during their home exercise routine – it’s okay to take baby steps in the beginning until you feel comfortable enough to start pushing yourself harder. Restoration of mobility and function takes time, but making an effort with your home exercises is integral to speeding up recovery and enhancing the treatment you receive in the clinic.
#THINKPTFIRST 