First appointment in physiotherapy, you do not know what to expect … A massage, a torture session … both at once? In reality, depending on the case that need to be treated, physiotherapists usually use manual techniques, machines, tapings and many other tools, but one thing still remains the same, once the session is done, homework will have to be done at home!
WHY ARE THE EXERCISES SO IMPORTANT?
Indeed, your physiotherapist should be considered as a guide and not a miracle cure. So in addition to treating you, he will give you tips and exercises to improve your problem and prevent it from coming back.
In the majority of cases, the physiotherapist will see you for about 30 minutes to an hour a week to initiate the assessment; which is very low for a 168-hour week! Yet it is necessary to do some home exercises daily to gain improvements quicker and more efficiently.
Although these tips and exercises can sometimes seem trivial, they account for much of the effectiveness of the treatment and therefore the speed of healing. In fact, following a home exercise program would almost double the chances of getting a positive treatment outcome in patients with chronic back pain.
Many studies also show that a properly following your treatment plan in conjunction with your physiotherapist’s advice given directly correlated to faster healing.
THE “TIPS” THAT WILL REMIND YOU TO EXERCISE
Whether it’s the first thing in the morning, if you are a morning person, arriving at the office or during your breaks, exercises are relatively short and easy to incorporate into your routine. For example, if you’re given an exercise that requires you to balance yourself on one leg, you can do it while you brush your teeth!
Just like at the gym, the fact of using a logbook and checking the exercises performed at each sitting will allow you to remember them and to control their frequency. This only takes a few seconds and will help you track your program.
Whether using an alarm on your phone or by posting your exercise program on your fridge, a reminder will be beneficial to meet your daily routine.
Talk to your physiotherapist about an activity or a sport that you want to continue practicing in the near future or other objectives that are dear to you. It may lead you to more specific exercises that have a direct link with your goals.
