A physical therapy regimen is a crucial part of rehabilitation after an injury or surgery, or as part of a treatment plan for a chronic condition or to improve wellness. If you’re about to begin physical therapy for the first time as part of a long- or short-term care program, there are a few tips you should follow, so it’s effective and safe. Below are some do’s and don’ts to remember.

Do:

Perform exercises at home if directed.

Your physical therapy appointments will measure your progress and involve more complex exercises under the safety of professional supervision. However, your therapist may prescribe at-home exercises for you to do as part of your rehabilitation. These exercises will maintain the progress you’ve made in your treatment and encourage the healthy building of muscles. Skipping them could cause you to backslide or have a more difficult experience at your next session.

Maintain a positive attitude.

Recovering from an injury, surgery, or chronic condition may not be an easy journey, but it will be more than worth it. Physical therapy will require some work and determination on your part, but maintaining a positive attitude will make it easier to navigate and help you stay motivated. If you’re struggling to stay positive, try starting meditation, a new hobby, or other stress relief activity.

Don’t:

Be afraid to communicate with your therapist.

It’s critical to maintain an open line of communication with your physical therapist. Be honest about how you’re feeling, any discomfort you’re experiencing, and any new or worsening symptoms you have. This is key in evaluating the progress of your rehabilitation, and changes may need to be made to your regimen if you’re experiencing severe discomfort or a worsening condition.

Forget to live a healthy lifestyle.

Proper nutrients, a healthy amount of sleep, and hydration are also critical to your body’s healing process. Living a healthy lifestyle will boost your therapy progress and help you feel better throughout your care program. If you’re able, you should try to maintain some sort of physical activity outside of physical therapy, too, as long as your therapist deems it safe.

If you need physical therapy as part of a rehabilitation program, contact the family-owned and -operated Mount Washington Care Center and nursing home in East Cincinnati, OH. For over 30 years, they’ve offered long- and short-term care for seniors, with around-the-clock nursing, individualized treatment plans, and licensed staff. You can learn more about the nursing home and care facility’s process online, and call (513) 231-4561 to schedule a free consultation.