5. Be Realistic. In general the longer you have had a condition, the longer it takes to reverse it. Also if you continue to do the things that have caused the condition whether by necessity (work) or unwillingness to cut back on exercise, it will take much longer to recover.
4. Be Optimistic. You almost always have the capability to improve your function if not reverse the condition but it may take work (see number 1!)
3. Be Honest. We cannot accurately adjust your treatment and program if you do not tell us what has made you better, what has made you worse or whether you do your exercises (but see number 1!)
2. Follow Instructions: If your physiotherapist has suggestions for work station or training changes, position or movement changes, they have given you these suggestions to help mediate your recovery (also see number 1.) Remember, we see you for at most 2 hours out of the week - what you do the rest of the time is more important than what we do in the clinic!
and the most important way to get the most out of your physiotherapy program...
1. DO YOUR HOME EXERCISES!! Whether the goal of the exercise is to optimize healing (see my blog on eccentric exercises), correct muscle imbalances or to maximize function, each exercise has been given for a reason. And when I say do them, don't just go through the motions; be aware of the purpose and the proper mechanics while you are doing them. However, if you are finding it hard to get all of your exercises in (I will openly admit I get a bit carried away at times) please let us know (see number 3!). There are often one or two exercises that are the most important for recovery and doing them will be better than doing nothing at all. It is after all 'Physical Therapy!'written by Rebecca chambers, BSc(PT), MSc
pictures courtesy of Google Images
