Staying Open-Minded About Your Healthcare

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.

Your First Physical Therapy Appointment: How You Can Prepare

Health & Medical Blog

If you've had surgery, been in an accident, or suffered an injury, part of your recovery might include physical therapy. If you haven't been to physical therapy before, you may not know what to expect. Many people are surprised by how active or inactive their physical therapy treatments can be, and some might dislike it enough to stop coming, even though therapy is important for recovery.

Here are some things you can to do to make sure your first appointment is a success and to keep on track for healing. 

1. Come with some goals. 

Your physical therapist will assess your injury or the work that needs to be done and set some goals for the rest of your therapy. You should have personal goals ready to share with your therapist. For example, if you ran for recreation, mention running as an end goal so that your therapist can work on helping you to get well enough to begin a running program again. The point of therapy is not just to end pain but to make it so that you can enjoy the same activities you did before if possible. 

2. Ask for notes or guides.

If your therapist gives your some activities and stretches to try at home between sessions, you might ask for notes to help your remember them. If you will need a refresher on how to do them properly, you might take a video with your phone to help you see the stretch or activity in action. 

3. Take some pain medication before or after your session.

As prescribed by your doctor, you should continue to take pain medication during your sessions. If you can do so safely, use over-the-counter medications if you don't have prescription pain medications. These can help you work well during sessions, which can cause some discomfort. Don't worry if you feel a little sore during exercises or after the session is over, but if you feel like the work is too difficult or is hurting in a way that seems injurious, make sure you tell your therapist. You might need a slower program or more gentle beginner work before continuing. 

4. Stay hydrated.

Hydration is essential for healing. Your muscles and joints will do better in therapy if you are getting the water you need, and you'll have reduced pain as well as other side effects, like headaches. 

For more information, contact a local physical therapist at a company like Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C. 

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26 February 2018