Tips for At-Home Physical Therapy

A recent article published by U.S. News Health, reported challenges and tips for sticking to at-home physical therapy routines. Nancy Brown began seeing her physical therapist after having hip surgery. She completed home routines regularly and consistently in order to reach her goal of continued horseback riding. Brown made every effort to develop a relationship with her physical therapist and a step by step plan for recovery that worked for her.

Many people, however, do not find accessing or maintaining physical therapy as possible as Brown; in fact “research suggests that as few as 35 percent of physical therapy patients adhere to their at-home regimens.” Below are a few of the tips suggested for getting the most from your physical therapy recovery in office and at-home:

• Find a Purpose– Link your therapy session and progress to who you want to be, or return to being. Clear goals motivate you to stick to an at-home routine.
• Meet your Match– Find the best fit in your physical therapist and therapy environment. In order to feel comfortable in continuing and empowered to ask questions, try and work with the same person over the course of your recovery.
• Be Honest– Be honest about things that keep  you from doing at home exercises, and how you’re feeling at each stage of your recovery. It will help to get you the best encouragement or feedback and craft a regimen that is right for you.
• Strategize– Finding time to do your physical therapy sessions are key to a successful recovery. Some people find making time for their exercises more convenient when coupled with a routine of  right before bed, during evening television shows, or even while brushing your teeth!

If heading to physical therapy 2-3 times a week is not as practical for you as it was for Brown, apply these suggestions to a SimpleTherapy membership and find your road to recovery just a click away.