Six Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) can help with a variety of concerns including pain, weakness, incontinence, balance, and lymphedema. However, you need to be ready to put in the work. PT is typically not a quick fix and many people need multiple visits.
On average, I see most of my patients 1-2 times per week for 8-12 visits. When we get close to finishing PT, we may extend that time out to every other week or once per month to make sure you are confident in managing your condition on your own. That being said, I've had plenty of people who only need a couple visits and others who I see for months or years. It really just depends on the person and everyone is different!
When you’re in PT, you want to make the most of your time to optimize healing and recovery. So how can you make the most of your visits?
Show up
If you don't come to PT, then PT won't work. Period. Sometimes it takes a couple visits for you to start to see improvements. Stick with it and discuss your progress with your PT at every visit.
Come prepared with notes
If you have a complex problem or something that you've been dealing with for a long time, it can be helpful to have it written down to make sure you don't forget something important. The more information you give, the more your PT can help you. And I promise it’s never TMI! I want to know all of the details so I can best help you.
Track your symptoms
Write down your symptoms and anything that may be triggering them. For example, if you are having problems with your bladder or bowels, it can be helpful to write down your food and drink intake, as well as when you go to the bathroom. If you're having pain, write down the activities and feelings (stress, anxiety, anger) that make it worse. Paying attention to patterns is very helpful to pinpoint strategies to improve your symptoms.
Ask questions
Your PT should describe what they find upon examining you and explain why you're doing the recommended exercises or interventions. If you don't understand why you're doing something, ask so that you have a better understanding of your treatment. If you don't feel comfortable doing something, or if a particular exercise or hands-on treatment isn't helping, let your PT know! You and your PT should be working as a team to get you better.
Be consistent with your homework
I don't care how old you are or who you are, you will always get homework in PT. Say you come into PT twice per week. That means there are 3-5 other days in the week that you should be continuing the work at home. Being consistent with what your PT recommends is key to overcoming your symptoms.
Understand what to do after you graduate
I always tell people at their first visit: my goal is to work with you to get you better and to give you the tools to manage this condition on your own. As scary as it may be to look beyond PT and imaging taking care of your symptoms on your own, you will be equipped by your last visit to do it. If you're not clear on what you should do long-term, ask your PT.
You get out of PT what you put into it. So empower yourself by understanding your condition, how it will be treated, and what you can do on your own to thrive after PT.
Not sure what to expect with PT? Check out my previous blog posts for what happens in oncologic PT/cancer rehab and pelvic health PT.
