Did you know missing one physical therapy session could throw off weeks of hard-earned progress? Allow Stellar Transportation to help you never miss another physical therapy appointment again!
Physical therapy is effective at treating a wide variety of ailments through different stretches and exercise moves proven to strengthen and heal. There are so many reasons patients enroll in physical therapy including broken bones, injured joints, and crippling diseases.
Regardless of why you need physical therapy, it’s important to make it to all scheduled appointments. Understandably, if you do not drive and depend on others to pick you up and take you it can be difficult to accomplish this. This is especially common for seniors enrolled in physical therapy that live semi or completely independently. Hiring the number one non-emergency transportation service in Melbourne to take you to your appointments will save you a lot of hassles and ensure you reap the full benefits of physical therapy.
Here are 4 important reasons to make it to all of your physical therapy appointments.
1. Consistency Is Key
As with most things in life, consistency is important in order to see the full benefits of physical therapy. In order for your injured muscles and tissues to truly begin to heal you need to keep up with exercises regularly.
2. Follow Physiatrist Orders
The orders of your physiatrist should be taken very seriously, as they know what’s best for your body in order to heal. If they schedule an appointment with you it’s because you need to go in. Missing appointments is a direct refusal of their orders, preventing you from seeing the full results of your efforts.
3. You Can’t Manage On Your Own
Many patients go to physical therapy a few times and then think they know the exercises well enough to do them on their own at home without going to therapy. Physical therapy sessions constantly change as you do, based upon professional opinion. You won’t be able to monitor and gauge your own progress in this same manner, nor will you know what exercises and stretches to progress to.
There is always the chance you could injure yourself trying to do the exercises on your own. You could also overexert yourself and become further injured. A physical therapist is experienced and licensed to keep you safe and on the road to recovery. Let them do their job so you may continue to heal and strengthen.
4. Missed Opportunity To Ask Questions
When you meet with your physical therapist you have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about certain symptoms you are noticing, or even life style changes that might impact your therapy progress in some way. When too much time spans between appointments and these questions don’t get answered, a lot of things can occur that deter your progress, increase pain, etc.
3 Things You Don’t Want To Forget At Your Physical Therapy Session
Now that you’ve got a ride to all physical therapy appointments from here on out, you’ll need to arrive prepared! Don’t forget these 3 things in order to make the most of your sessions.
1. Dress For Success
Wear pants with an elastic waistband so that you are comfortable doing all of the exercises. Elastic pants are especially helpful if your PT needs to access your lower back region. If you are going to physical therapy for a knee injury, it might be better if you wear shorts to your session. No matter what you wear just make sure you are comfortable.
Dress for success all the way down to your feet. Wear comfortable walking sneakers and if you typically wear orthotic inserts make sure to do so at your appointment.
2. Bring Walking Aids
If you use braces, immobilizers, or assistive devices for walking, such as a cane, wheelchair or crutches, you need to bring it along to your appointment. Your PT will want to make sure your walking aid fits properly and doesn’t need any adjustments. Otherwise, a poor fitted walking aid could lead to injury or chronic pain.
3. Aquatic Therapy Check List
If you are enrolled in aquatic therapy you will need to bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles (if you prefer), and any other swimming accessories you may need.
Never Miss Physical Therapy Appointment Again
At Stellar Transportation, we regularly drive patients to physical therapy appointments. Let us give you the lift you need so that you remain on the road to recovery.