No one plans for an accident or debilitating illness, but when you’ve turned the corner and begun the journey toward recovery, it’s crucial to get the most out of your physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions.
As you continue to make progress, day by day, you can find joy in both the process and the end result of your rehabilitation journey. Here are 6 key ways to get the maximum benefit out of each and every session:
1. Have A Purpose For The Process
Outline in your mind a specific purpose for the whole rehab process. Some people find motivation in getting back into their old job (or a new job). Others make the ability to play sports again, go on nature hikes, or spend time interacting with kids, grandkids, and other family members the motivating goal. Pick out something specific to work towards that you want to do with your health once you regain it.
2. Choose Your Rehab Partner Carefully
You will work very closely with your physical therapist over a period of weeks, months, or longer. This is a big decision. At Arbors Amarillo, we provide you with top-tier rehab staff and caretakers who are as friendly as they are skilled. We partner with you and help you through the journey one step at a time. Our past record of success gives hope to our current patients.
3. Understand Your Diagnosis & Progress
Be sure to talk to your physical therapist and doctor about the exact nature of your diagnosis and what you should expect going forward. Getting the big picture from day one helps you to put your daily activities into perspective. Take time to understand your treatment and why it will be effective, and ask your therapist to give you regular updates on your progress that can encourage you along the way.
4. Don’t Overdo It; Be Patient
While everyone wants to recover as fully as possible as fast as possible, overdoing it can risk injuries that could slow the overall progress. And impatience during the process tends toward depression. Let your therapist guide you on keeping up an ideal pace, and rejoice in each “baby step” forward.
5. Communicate With Loved Ones During Recovery
Avoid isolation. Use every means at your disposal to reach out to talk with family and friends during the recovery process. Also, discuss your experiences with your therapist and with other patients you come into contact with at the rehab center. Rehabilitation is tough: communicate with others to receive encouragement and to be an encouragement throughout the process.
6. Keep A Recovery Journal
Taking notes and recording your own thoughts in a recovery journal is one of the most helpful tools for maintaining a positive attitude during recovery. It lets you give expression to your thoughts and feelings, forces you to notice your own progress from day to day, and leaves you with a valuable memory-book to read over after rehab is complete so you can see how far you’ve come.
Injury and the tough road of recovery that follows can be extremely challenging, to say the least. But it need not be a joyless journey. When we lose, even temporarily, the ability to do things we once took for granted, it can make us appreciate more the abilities we still retain. And, regaining our strength brings a joy all its own.
At Arbors Amarillo, we understand what it’s like to go through rehabilitation. And our experienced and sympathetic staff are prepared to work with you and walk with you every step of the way to full recovery. Call us today at 806-457-4700, or schedule a tour!
