These days, it seems everyone wants fast solutions. Yet positive results can never be achieved without hard work and dedication – even in the case of rehabilitating your body.
That’s why even though a physical therapy session brings instant relief, key exercises and movements at home are needed. Physical recovery happens when there is consistent movement –muscles are worked each day so that the body can improve over time.
During this time, it’s important to follow your physical therapist’s instructions. Your therapist’s efforts and your diligence will make the treatment successful.
Keep reading to find some motivational steps to staying active.
Find Your Purpose
To give yourself the strength and determination to keep going, even through pain or exhaustion, it’s important to keep your end goal in mind.
Why are you undergoing physical therapy? What do you hope to gain once you’ve recovered? Perhaps you’re an athlete wanting to get back on the field, or an avid traveler looking to get back out on the road.
Identifying your purpose for keeping in shape and maintaining good health is the best way to staying committed. Understanding that your treatment will guide you to being the kind of person you want to be will keep you revved up and reaching for that goal line.
In the meantime, don’t push yourself so hard that you get overwhelmed. Advancing through smaller steps will help keep your goals on track and give you less opportunity to want to quit.
Realise that the dream takes time, but it’s possible. Doing it one day at a time will help you get there.
Match with Someone Like-Minded
If you’re going to your physical therapist multiple times a week, it seems likely you’ll want to get along with this person.
Forming a dependable relationship with your therapist will keep treatments from becoming a chore, or appointments from becoming unappealing.
Find a professional who is your ‘match.’ He/she should motivate you. And to do that he/she should have a positive attitude towards work and your treatment. Having a friendly therapist fostering a comfortable environment to return to makes all the difference, and even keeps you motivated for your at-home treatment plan.
With this in mind, look for someone you easily connect with. Then, ask to repeatedly see them from then on, allowing yourself to build a friendship so you can build trust in their methods.
Don’t Make Excuses for Yourself
When it comes to making progress on your body, making excuses will not contribute but instead derail any improvement. Your therapist will know if you don’t put in the work.
Simply speaking up and admitting to your lack of putting in the effort, whether intentional or not, is far better than trying to lie or argue your way out of the situation. When you’re honest about it, it will be easier to pinpoint what’s impeding your improvement.
Perhaps you were dealing with too much pain, you have time-management problems or you’re simply not inclined to exercise on your own. Whatever your reason, a good physical therapist will be there to help you. So just be honest, and don’t bank on lame excuses.
Make Plans for Greater Success
Like anything else, most people claim they could not do at-home treatment due to lack of time. But most exercises only require a little time.
Therefore, it is up to you to make time. First step, is to figure out when you have the spare time (or can make spare time) to fit in a few exercises. Even if you need to split them up throughout your day, you’re still putting in the necessary work to lead you to recovery.
Keep alarms to remind yourself, or use apps to keep you on track. Moreover, spend time moving about during your lunch break, or while watching TV. You can also make extra movements during daily chores.
While finding the proper motivation can be tricky, it’s certainly not impossible. Your health should always be a priority, and making the most of what life has to offer you should, in itself, be a powerful motivator.
Only you can hold yourself back, so find a friendly, experienced therapist to help you along your journey to reach your goal.