We may be used to being in great health, but when we fall ill or get injured, life can feel a bit different than what we’re used to. As you go through physical therapy and seek to regain your strength and function after being out of the game, you may find it a bit challenging to get back to the way that you used to be. Here are some things that can help:
Regaining Strength and Function After Illness
Go at your pace
When you’re healing from an illness or dealing with a recent diagnosis, you may be tempted to jump right back into your previous activities with no limits. While there may be a time when you can start doing the kind of high-intensity exercises that you are used to, it can be important to take it easy at the beginning.
Whether you have upper extremity lymphedema or you’re dealing with a bum injury that just doesn’t seem to get better, it’s wise to progress slowly. Talk to your doctor about the best exercises and activities for your specific health challenges or needs, so you’re not pushing yourself unnecessarily and possibly setting yourself back in your journey to regaining strength and functionality.
Find a top physical therapist
Whatever you may be dealing with health-wise or injury-wise, you may want to think about how a physical therapist can be useful in helping you gain the kind of function that you once had. They can help you manage pain, aid you in recovery, and push you a bit as needed.
Don’t just choose any physical therapist when you want to work your body in the most effective way possible. Reach out to acquaintances about people that they may have worked with previously, or research options online.
Be patient
It’s perfectly normal to want to jump right back into your normal activities after being sick or getting injured. And while in some cases you may get the go-ahead from your medical provider, in other situations you may need to learn the benefits of patience.
The last thing that you want to do is rush the rehab of your injury or try high-intensity activities too quickly. When you’re tempted to go harder than you should, try to think about the repercussions of doing too much too soon. It could set you back to the beginning, and you may need to start the process all over again.
Keep track of progress
Whether you work with a physical therapist to rehabilitate your body after an injury or you simply use an app to monitor your activities on your way to recovery, keeping track of your progress (regardless of how little it may seem to be) can be a great way to stay on track and stay motivated.
Just like you’d keep track of weight loss goals or building muscle, so too should you keep track of the simple progress made with your body as you strive to recover from injury or illness. It may be a journey that takes time, but there’s always something to celebrate when you’re working towards getting better.
Don’t forget the role of nourishment
On your path to recovery with your physical therapist, you’ll be doing exercises and other rehabilitation activities to help you get better. Don’t forget that your food and nutrition should also be dialed in to help you achieve more with your body.
A healthy diet can help your body heal faster and allow you to feel better, aiding you in your attempt to get better. Speak to your doctor about any supplements that could be beneficial for you on your path to rehabilitation and functionality.
Conclusion
Recovering from illness or injury is something that requires patience and focused work. Working with a physical therapist may be important, as may taking it easy at the beginning. Speak to your doctor about the kinds of things that can help you recover faster, but don’t forget to be patient with the process.
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