Whether you have arthritis or are recovering from a surgical procedure, physical therapy will effectively relieve pain, build strength, and improve mobility. But since the recovery process can be gradual, it’s not always easy to maintain a positive attitude about the experience. To ensure your rehabilitation program is successful and stress-free, here are a few tips to stay optimistic at every stage of therapy.

How to Maintain Optimism Throughout Your Rehabilitation Program

1. Lean on Your Support Network

When pain or injury prevents you from using your body as you would like, it can feel like you’ve lost some of your independence. But while you may have some compromised abilities, you don’t have to brave recovery all on your own. Instead, look to your support network for encouragement and help to overcome frustrating obstacles.

For example, your medical team can help keep track of your healing process, allowing you to appreciate improvements you may have otherwise missed. Physical therapists will provide support at rehabilitation sessions and help you develop techniques to tackle your specific concerns. Also, with friends and family by your side, you’ll have cheerleaders to keep you motivated and provide additional help with daily activities to make your life less stressful.  

2. Rest Up

Resting is critical to the recovery process, as your body will use sleep as a time to repair damaged tissues. But getting rest can do much more—it can also help boost your overall mood. When you get enough sleep every night, you’ll be less likely to experience fatigue and depression during the day. It will also help you preserve more energy so you can get the most out of physical therapy.

3. Understand That Rehabilitation Is Different for Everyone

Comparing your progress to others is a common pitfall during the physical therapy process. Unfortunately, if you aren’t achieving the same results as others or following a similar recovery timeline, it’s easy to feel discouraged. To keep your outlook positive, stay focused on your own individual rehabilitation program. For example, with help from your physical therapist, you can pinpoint small benchmarks that allow you to recognize improvements—even if it doesn’t feel like you’ve made any.

When you need help with the recovery process, Wolcott View Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center is here to provide compassionate support every step of the way. Based in New Haven County, CT, their rehabilitation program is backed by advanced tools and experienced physical therapists. To learn more about their comprehensive resources, visit them online. If you’d like to arrange care, call (203) 879-8066.