How to Get the MOST Out of Your Physical Therapy Visit
This should be pretty straight forward, but sometimes it’s not! Working with a physical therapist - or any kind of therapist for that matter - can be optimized and time well-spent on getting you closer to your goals and better life experience. We like to call it improving your quality of life! Here’s how to make the most of it.
Observe
You can’t change what you don’t know, right?? Whether you’re eating poorly, moving your body in certain ways, or regularly having not-so-helpful thoughts that have left you in a mindset pattern that’s not serving you, your first step is to NOTICE it. This is conscious living.
Observe some more.
That’s right. Keep observing yourself, especially over a longer period of time. Maybe you start doing this BEFORE you choose to see a therapist. Keep track of yourself, for yourself. Take notes. And practice a bit of compassion, no matter what you find out about yourself. Share those patterns with your therapist.
Do the work outside of your session!
My favorite thing about doing home visits is that it’s not always ME telling you what to do for your home exercise program. I want to blend in new things with your favorite ways to move, and make up the structure of your week WITH you! Therapy is a collaboration and a team-effort with your other healthcare providers, but it may require you to do some extra things so that your progress is consistent and layered.
Practice patience and enjoy the process.
I hope this one goes without saying, but it has to be said. I love working with my clients and seeing changes happen quickly, but sometimes, it takes time. Practice grace and gratitude for the energy you put into your health and wellness journey, and that will multiply. Enjoy the shifts you make physically, mentally, and emotionally. They’re not just connected - they’re the same thing. No one person can tell you how long it will take to heal, because it’s an ever-changing process. But I promise if you keep going, pay attention, and accept the journey for what it is, you’ll learn so much about yourself along the way!
