How to Prepare For Physical Therapy

Whether you are experiencing joint pain or muscle weakness, or if you are on the mend following invasive surgery, it takes more than just rest and medication to return to the active lifestyle you previously led. One effective tool is physical therapy, which can help restore your strength and mobility.

The physical therapy team at HealthPoint in Wooster Community Hospital provides a wide variety of services and expertise in caring for acute and sports-related injuries, postsurgical pain and immobility, and chronic orthopedic conditions, as well as pediatric and geriatric conditions.

However, to benefit the most from physical therapy, you need to be aware of the task that lies ahead and prepare yourself to commit to the treatment process.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PHYSICAL THERAPY

The primary objective of physical therapy is to improve or maintain your ability to perform daily tasks and activities. In order to help you reach this goal and speed up your recovery, your physical therapist (PT) will address any pain, swelling, weakness, or limited motion you are experiencing, track your response to each treatment, and make changes as often as necessary.

Your PT may take a hands-on approach to examine or feel on or around the problem area, such as your leg, arm, or shoulder. They will also assess the motion and function of your specific joints, muscles, and other tissues. In addition, your PT may check your gait (how you walk), your functional capabilities, such as how you rise from a lying position or out of a chair, as well as your body mechanics for certain other activities, such as bending and lifting.

Together, you and your physical therapist will determine your goals and create a treatment plan that includes special exercises you can do both in the clinic and at home. They may also instruct you on ways to perform your work and home activities so as to lessen or eliminate the problem that is causing your pain, strain, or injury.

In addition, your PT will:

• Assess your need for special equipment, such as special footwear, splints, or crutches. If you do require special equipment, your PT can demonstrate how to use it properly.
• Share important information about your condition and rehabilitation with your doctor and other healthcare providers at your request.
• Reevaluate your progress often throughout your plan of care.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Often, the success of your physical therapy depends on the amount of effort you put into it. To ensure the best results, follow these four tips:

1. Attend all appointments. Missing an appointment will only delay your recovery. Arrive on time for your sessions, so you can spend as much quality time with your PT as possible. If you must cancel an appointment, provide notice as soon as possible. If you plan on stopping therapy or changing the frequency of your treatments, discuss this with your PT first.
2. Always follow your PT’s directives and guidance. They may modify an activity, limit or restrict the use of a specific body part, or advise you to avoid certain movements. Ignoring such precautions can lead to further injury or delay your recovery, so follow their instructions and ask questions if you are unclear about anything.
3. Do your assigned home exercises as prescribed. Only perform the exercises your PT has given you and follow their instructions on how often and how many times to do them.
4. Continue your home exercise plan after you finish your formal physical therapy. This will help you sustain the gains you made during your rehabilitation. Your PT may also suggest you return for a follow-up or yearly visit to promote your health and wellness.

PHYSICAL THERAPY IN WOOSTER, OHIO

At HealthPoint at Wooster Community Hospital, our highly skilled physical therapy team can help you return to the active lifestyle you enjoyed prior to your injury. We provide a wide variety of services in caring for acute and sports-related injuries, postsurgical pain and immobility, and chronic orthopedic conditions, as well as pediatric and geriatric conditions, including:

• Aquatic therapy
• Balance and dizziness testing and training
• Dry needling
• Orthopedics
• Orthotics
• Pediatrics
• Spine care
• Sports medicine
• Stroke and traumatic brain injury therapy
• Video analysis

Our therapists have an exercise focus, supplemented with hands-on therapy that can guide you through a plan designed to correct your particular injury and help prevent future injuries. You can expect a whole-body therapy experience that will direct you back to a healthy, pain-free way of life.

For more information about our physical therapy services and how they can benefit you, call us today at (330) 202-3300.