What To Expect From Your Physical Therapy Program
Physical therapy is just that - physical. Recovery from an injury or painful and debilitating condition requires hard work and commitment to your therapy program.
The goals of your physical therapist are twofold:
- To relieve your symptoms and pain.
- To return you to your maximum ability and independence as quickly and safely as possible.
Depending on your injury, your physical therapy program will consist of different types of exercises and treatments. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Floor exercises
- Treadmill exercises
- Bike exercises
- Weights
- Ultrasound
- Electrical stimulation
- Hot and cold packs
- Whirlpool
- Edema (swelling) control
- Desensitization
- Motion exercises
- Manual therapy
Passive treatments such as ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation help to alleviate pain and inflammation. Active treatments such as stretching, muscle re-education, conditioning, and strengthening aid in restoring function.
Physical therapy visits are prescribed by your doctor and authorized by your insurance or managed care plan. Depending on your diagnosis, the duration of treatment may vary from several days to four to six weeks.
Every patient and the nature of his or her injury or condition is unique, therefore physical therapy treatment plans vary for each patient. Your therapist will tailor your rehabilitation according to your specific needs and abilities, as well as directives given by your physician.
Your rate of recovery will depend upon several factors, including:
- Your motivation level and compliance to therapy
- Your age
- Your physical condition
- The type and severity of your injury
It is typical to feel better after a few visits to therapy and to think you do not need to complete your treatment plan, or that you can do it on your own at home. However, each and every visit is important to your recovery; strengthening and conditioning under the guidance of your therapist in the latter half of your treatment plan is just as critical as mobilization and stretching in the beginning.
Recovery takes time, rest, and patience. You and your therapist are partners in your rehabilitation. Here are a couple of tips to help you maximize the benefits of physical therapy:
- Follow your therapist's directions, but be careful not to "overdo it." Exceeding the amount of stretching or strengthening as recommended by your therapist may actually re-injure the joint or muscle.
- Let your therapist know if you are sore or in pain, either during or between visits. Good communication will enhance your rehabilitation and recovery process.
Our therapists make sure you are comfortable with each exercise and technique as well as the equipment. This allows you to transfer exercise skills and techniques to your home and/or gym program.
Preparing for Each Visit
Be prepared to start your therapy on your first visit. Also remember to:
- Bring your physician referral on your first visit.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, preferably shorts and T-shirts (no dresses or skirts)
- Expect each visit to last from one to two hours
Your therapist, in conjunction with your doctor, will determine how often you should come. To ensure a consistent therapy program, we make every attempt possible to schedule you with the same therapist for each of your visits.
