Physical therapy is a journey, and throughout it, you’ll face ups and downs. It’s important to take care of yourself every step of the way, both for your mental and physical health. Working to maintain your health and optimize your therapy sessions can have a significant impact on your progress. Here are several self-care tips to remember before, during, and after your therapy sessions.

How to Care for Yourself During Physical Therapy

1. Pace Yourself

Physical therapy often includes at-home stretching and exercises. It’s important to be realistic about your abilities when tackling these tasks. Diving back into an activity with the same intensity as before your injury can result in pain and disappointment. 

Understand that you’ll face some limitations at first and pace yourself. You’ll set and achieve more realistic goals and avoid injuries, like hyperextending joints or pulling muscles, that could delay your recovery.

2. Log Your Health and Study

Pay close attention to your body by keeping a log of what you’re feeling. Write down what hurts, when, and why. If you’re sore after a certain activity, for example, or notice increased swelling from a dietary change, your physical therapist needs to know. Every aspect of your life affects recovery, and understanding what is influencing it negatively will help you create a more effective, streamlined plan.

3. Manage Discomfort

Discomfort is normal. Muscle and joint soreness happen when you challenge your body to rebuild muscle or extend its range of motion. Learn how to manage this at home. Dedicate 30 minutes to stretching sore muscles each night. Try applying ice or a heat pad to help with soreness, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Keep your therapist updated so they can weigh in on your choices.

Residents of Church Point, LA, and the surrounding communities turn to The Road Home Therapy Center for their recovery needs. Since 1978, this practice has welcomed patients searching for short-term, occupational, speech, and physical therapy. Their skilled therapists will create a custom recovery plan based on your needs and will support you through every step. Call (337) 684-6318 to schedule a consultation, and connect on Facebook for more health tips. Visit their website to learn more about their services.