Physical therapy is often necessary for those attempting to bounce back from injury, illness or a surgical procedure. If you are participating in physical therapy or will be in the future, you might be tempted to cut it short after completing a handful of sessions. This is a huge mistake!
Recovering patients, especially the elderly, should complete physical therapy to ensure a full recovery. Otherwise, a setback could occur and lead to additional problems – problems that could require more rounds of physical therapy. Here’s why you should see your physical therapy program through all the way to the end.
1. The Healing Process Takes Time
Your body needs time to recover from an injury, sickness or surgery. If you cut your physical therapy short, you don’t give your body a chance to heal in the proper manner. Additionally, rushing through therapy or not doing your exercises reduces the chances of complete healing.
2. The Chances Of Re-injury Are Higher
Those who fail to complete physical therapy are more likely to suffer another injury. In the case of those who recovering from an illness, cutting therapy short might lead to a return of the illness. Physical therapy helps your body build endurance, preventing further injury.
3. Stopping Can Hinder Body Motion
Unfinished physical therapy has the potential to limit your body motion. Physical therapy is designed to help you regain as much of your mobility and strength as possible. You might struggle to move as you did prior to your injury, illness or surgery if you leave physical therapy too early.
4. Unfinished Physical Therapy Can Cause Additional Pain
Failure to complete physical therapy might cause you more pain. Though you might feel good after a few physical therapy sessions, exiting the program early does have the potential to lead to pain resurgence. There is even the chance unfinished physical therapy following a surgery can lead to a blood clot.
5. Complete Physical Therapy To Return Your Life To Normal
Physical therapy can be frustrating. However, therapy is essential to rebuild muscle, improve flexibility and help you live independently.
If you cut your therapy short, you might not be able to enjoy a full range of motion. Furthermore, the lack of flexibility, strength and balance has the potential to lead to a nasty fall or other incident that sends you right back to the operating table and physical therapy.
Always do your physical therapy as your therapists recommend. If you have any questions about the purpose of your therapy, contact your doctor.
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