Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the USA, all of our activities had to be shifted indoors. Unfortunately, when it comes to physical therapy, you may not be able to visit the rehab center regularly. If you’re thinking about switching to practicing physical therapy at home, here’s a guide of dos and don’ts that would help you through the process.
What to Do:
Be Cautious:
If you’re opting for physical therapy due to a work injury or auto injury, always be cautious. You don’t want to do something that would add to your already grueling issue. For example, you could use ice packs to alleviate your pain but make sure you’re doing it correctly.
Use Information from Reliable Sources:
Research about your problems and see how they can be managed at home. Don’t just Google your symptoms. Do not simply rely on the first suggestion that the search engine throws at you. Instead, refer to research papers or other credible websites.
Consult a Physical Therapy Specialist:
Even if your movement is restricted, visit your therapist for consultation. They’d be better able to assess your body’s needs and would devise an exercise plan for your quick recovery.
Also, while we are talking about DIY, it is important to mention here that some physical therapies require special care and should only be done under a professional’s supervision. Hence, to prevent your situation from worsening, visit your physical therapist.
What Not to Do:
Don’t Go Over the Top:
Your physical therapist can give you some homework, telling you to do some sets at home. Make sure that you’re not overdoing your exercises. Your PT knows what strain level is good for your body and recommends exercises based on that. Overworking yourself could result in wear and tear in your muscles and joints, worsening your condition.
Don’t Push Your Body Too Hard:
Everyone has different tolerance levels. Make sure that you stop if your body is aching too much when you are doing physical exercises. It’s not a good idea to keep pushing past the pain, as that may do you more harm than good.
Don’t Try Complex Postures or Stretching:
While you could easily do light stretching, avoid going overboard. There are some stretching techniques that only professionals are good at performing. So leave it to trained professionals. Even though you would find tutorials on achieving those postures, one wrong move could be the end of it.
Contact A Physical Therapist:
If you’re in Augusta, looking for a physical therapist, contact us! We provide the best physical therapy rehab and care for women, seniors, and injured individuals.