Why is it so important to come to all of my appointments and do my exercises at home?
Physical therapy treatment is usually not complete after 1 visit. During the evaluation, your therapist will work with you to establish a treatment plan that addresses your injury or pain, current and desired activity levels, goals, and access to exercise equipment. Most of these plans include a home exercise program, which is vital, not only in helping you to reach your treatment goals, but to assist you in improving your habits and lifestyle.
Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies tend to take longer to heal from minor issues and injuries. Issues that healed up quickly on their own when we were younger, tend to linger and can even cause compensations. This can lead to additional issues, including overuse injuries.
Your physical therapy treatment and prescribed home exercise program is designed to assist your bodies’ efforts to heal itself. When you do not complete your exercises consistently, you miss out on opportunities to help this healing process.
Your appointments are important as well; a chance to ask questions and get clarification on your exercises, update your therapist on your progress and condition, and (of course) to get some relief from the pain with manual techniques and modalities. This should also serve to re-focus your compliance with your home exercises.
Go ALL IN with your recovery and be compliant with your home exercises and your appointments.
-Jason Allred, DPT and co-owner