Life After Physical Therapy: Tips for Post-Treatment Care
Contributions by: Andrew Grahovec and Elisa Turner, PT
Following successful physical therapy treatment, you’ve graduated from ATI and you’re ready to take on the day-to-day challenges you’ll face post-therapy. For most people, that can be anything from tying your shoes, to returning to your favorite recreational activity, to playing with your kids. We want our patients to understand that even though your formal treatment may be finished, it’s important to continue the steps you have taken to recovery even after your sessions have ended. As you look to maintain your newly-regained health and continue your success from physical therapy, here are a few key areas to consider incorporating into your daily schedule.
Motion is Lotion
For some, therapy sessions may be the time they receive their most physical activity. The phrase “motion is lotion” is important to remember as continuing to move your body by getting regular exercise and creating increased blood flow is key to healing. This concept applies to virtually all our patients that enter and successfully complete rehabilitation. So, get moving and stay moving!
Food for Fuel
Nutrition and hydration are key elements of wellness that are too often neglected. Think about this — food is fuel for your body, and we must eat the right amount and choose items that give us the nutrients we need to repair damaged tissues. Nutrition can look different to a lot of people, but choosing the right fuel for your body can be as easy as adding more protein or healthy fats into your diet. Secondly, hydration is crucial to making sure those nutrients get to the areas of your body that need repair. Our bodies are 70 percent water so make sure you are drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces to ensure adequate hydration. If you are an athlete, one ounce per pound of body weight is recommended, so cheers!
Sleep and Recovery
Getting adequate rest is also an important part of continuing your path to successful rehabilitation. Our bodies do most of our repair work when we are sleeping. There are differing guidelines about how much sleep is necessary for each person, but having a regular routine and getting the same amount of sleep each night tends to be a difference maker in terms of good sleep hygiene.
Your Home Exercise Program
Finally, once you’ve completed your physical therapy treatment, your therapist has most likely put together a final Home Exercise Program (HEP) for you to continue regularly upon graduation. Knowing that you have the tools to continue your rehabilitation when you are no longer coming into the clinic helps therapists ensure that you and your doctor have everything you need to move forward after injury. Continuing to perform your HEP as prescribed by your therapist is vital in maintaining the success of post-treatment care.
Are you experiencing pain post-treatment?
If simple home interventions are not helping to lessen aches, pains and discomfort, it may be time to see a physical therapist. Stop by your nearest ATI Physical Therapy clinic for a complimentary injury screening and get back to being you.