09 Aug What to Do if You *Don’t* Do Your PT Exercises

Q: I don’t always remember to do my physical therapy home exercises. What is the most important thing I can do for my recovery (especially if I forget these)?

A: You are not alone! One of the most common concerns that patients have is fitting home exercises into their busy schedules. Between the demands of work, school, and family it can feel hard to find any extra time to spare. Yet whether due to time constraints, discomfort, or simply slipping your mind, not performing your home exercises might at best delay recovery…but at worst prevent you from recovering and fully returning to your activities and active lifestyle. Here’s why a good home exercise program is essential to maximizing recovery…

• Your therapist typically designs your home exercise program specifically for you.
• The exercises,  stretches, posture reminders, and recommendations for pain and inflammation control are created to fit your unique recovery plan.
• Your program is very specific to your needs and your location on the road to recovery.

Your recovery usually involves visits to see your PT and home exercises; consider it a companion set of instructions for your rehabilitation and ignore it at your peril!

Sometimes, life does not allow you to put your recovery needs first. If that’s the case, it’s time to have a frank and open discussion with your physical therapist. If your provider knows how much time you have, what equipment might be available, and your response to your program so far, then s/he can further tailor or adjust the program to fit your needs. A well-crafted program meets your needs in not only individualized exercises, but also in realistic levels of difficulty and time. Communicating your treatment experience, questions, and concerns to your provider is a vital part of your recovery!

Body One is locally owned and operated, with three locations serving Indianapolis: North Meridian, Fishers, and Zionsville. Our team of expert physical therapists works with patients of all ages and activity levels and we’re ready to help get you moving and feeling better, too. Call or click today!