Physical Therapy can help individuals of all ages with injuries, illnesses, or conditions that limit their ability to move and function as they usually do. Some people need physical therapists for a short period of time to recover from an injury, while others work with them for months or even years to manage chronic symptoms.
It’s easy to see why many physical therapists love working with patients in their homes: they can save time and money on travel expenses, treat the patient in their most comfortable environment, and avoid the potential distractions of the gym or office. It’s also much easier for the physical therapist to get to know their patient when they are in a familiar environment and can make more accurate assessments of progress.
However, there are some important things you should do to prepare your home for a physical therapist, and one of them is cleaning up the space. PTs often have to move furniture, use equipment that may be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and reach high areas like overhead shelves or stairways, so having open space is helpful for everyone involved.
Cleaning your home doesn’t have to be a huge task; break up bigger chores into short-term goals and tackle them in stages. This helps you stay motivated and can be more manageable for your schedule and energy level. In addition, it has been shown that even the smallest tasks can help a person feel better, so getting started with these habits can boost your mood.
When it comes to your clinic, there are several ways you can improve organizational skills to prevent disruptions and reduce paperwork and data entry errors. For example, implementing online scheduling gives your clients greater accessibility to their bookings and eliminates the need for phone calls or emails to confirm appointments. It can also enable therapists to access and manage patient information more easily, which can help with coding and documentation.
Another way to increase organization is by establishing clear systems for cleaning and storage. For example, we found that the clinic where we worked had a lot of cluttered storage areas and items were hard to find. We decided to label the outside of each cabinet, and then the shelf and bin inside so if something was removed from a cabinet, it was very clear where it was supposed to go back. In addition, we sorted linens by type (sheets, towels, etc) and made sure that each was easy to find in its container.
Go for a Walk
A good physical therapist will work with you to create an exercise plan that fits into your lifestyle, and not just around your therapy sessions. For example, if your job requires you to sit at a desk all day, your PT may prescribe “postural exercises,” like standing up several times throughout the workday, to counteract the negative effects of sitting too much. They might also recommend that you walk in your neighborhood at lunch to get some fresh air and help keep your feet from swelling, which can happen when you spend a lot of time in one position.
A physical therapist is an expert in diagnosing and treating the kinds of gait dysfunctions that can be caused by nerve, muscle, bone, or joint conditions. They’ll use a variety of strategies and tools, such as observation (observing your walking back and forth), gait speed measurements, balance tests, reflex and sensation screenings, and strength and range-of-motion measurements, to determine the source of your walking issue and create a treatment plan to address it.
Your PT will help you set and achieve goals for your recovery, and they should discuss these with you right from the initial evaluation. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect upon discharge and will ensure that your plan is effective at getting you back to the things you love doing in a safe and timely manner.
Once you’ve been discharged from your PT, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open with them. Reach out with any questions or concerns you might have, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. They’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and will likely be able to provide helpful tips for you to follow if you hit a plateau or encounter a setback.
Healthie makes it easy for physical therapists to stay in touch with their clients by providing a convenient client portal that allows them to share documents, schedule and modify appointments, and send reminders via text or email. Using a client engagement platform can help your practice improve client success rates and grow your wellness business. Sign up for free to start collaborating with your patients today!
Try Yoga
Yoga teaches you to focus your attention, sync movement with breathing, and rely on a supportive teacher to guide you. These skills can help you stay organized, whether you’re trying to get your house in order or simply find a way to reduce distractions and stay focused on one task at a time. Try taking a yoga class in your area and then practice the poses at home.
You can find many different types of yoga classes, with varying intensity levels and instruction styles. Some, like vinyasa, are more vigorous, involving a sequence of poses that move with your breath, while others, such as yin, involve deep stretches held for several minutes at a time. Regardless of which type of yoga you choose, it’s important to listen to your body and know your limits.
Physical therapy is a form of treatment used to decrease pain and improve motion, strength, and mobility. It can be used to treat injuries, diseases, or other health conditions, and it may help you recover from surgery. It can also be helpful for managing chronic (long-term) health conditions.
Your physical therapist will likely use techniques such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and massage to help decrease pain and inflammation. Your PT might also instruct you in certain exercises, which can help improve strength and mobility. They might also educate you about your condition, using charts, diagrams, and models to make it easier to understand.
You might need physical therapy for only a short period of time, such as while you’re recovering from an injury. But other people work with a physical therapist for months or longer to manage symptoms of a chronic condition. Your PT will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities, such as if your knee pain limits your walking or climbing stairs. They’ll also measure the range of motion of your joints and the strength of your muscles. They might also use imaging tests to help identify any underlying health issues. They’ll also teach you exercises to do at home to improve your symptoms.
Try Pilates
For those who love working out but may struggle with injuries or pain, Pilates is a great low-impact workout to add to your routine. A Pilates class can help build strength and flexibility with a focus on core muscles, posture, and breathing. Developed in the 1920s, this popular exercise method uses movements that might seem small or simple but can be very challenging when done with proper form and repetition. It’s also an effective way to rehabilitate certain injuries and improve balance, strength, and mobility.
Physical therapists (PTs) are experts in human movement and can treat movement dysfunctions caused by injuries, medical conditions, or ageing. They can assess your needs, recommend treatment techniques, and teach you exercises to do on your own at home. They often work with clients with a variety of health conditions, including back and neck issues, arthritis, chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and sports injuries.
PTs use hands-on treatments to decrease pain and stiffness, improve motion and strength, and increase mobility. They might apply hot or cold packs, massage your muscles, perform manual manipulations, or give you electrical stimulation. They also educate patients on their condition and its prognosis. They’ll often provide charts, models, diagrams, and instructions for patients to follow at home.
It’s important to show up to a session on time. The therapist will likely have some paperwork to go over, and you’ll need to fill in your insurance information and any other relevant details before you get started. It’s a good idea to bring a pen and paper to take notes, as well.
Staying organised is key to reducing stress, and boosting your productivity. To start, try adding a daily routine that incorporates stretching or yoga to stretch out your body and mind, journaling, and reflecting on three things you’re grateful for to cultivate positive vibes.
When you’re feeling more in control, it’s easier to prioritise your goals and make them a reality. Staying organised can help you manage your schedule, get more sleep, and make time for exercise – which is crucial to getting better faster.