To recover from an injury, developing a routine is important. While resting at home, you may elevate your injured limb, or soothe it with ice. Visiting a MAXX physical therapist each week to receive treatment should be part of that routine. For almost all physical therapy patients, an essential component of recovery is routine which includes completing your recommended home exercise program. In this post, we’ll explain why your home exercise program (HEP) is important, and how you can be proactive in your own recovery.
What is a Home Exercise Program?
A home exercise program is a series of exercises that patients complete at home to maintain strength and increase therapeutic gains. Home exercises are designed to be practical, accessible and feasible so that patients can maximize efforts without instruction. When you attend a session with your MAXX physical therapist, your session will consist of various parts.
To minimize the pain that the patient will experience, the physical therapist may soothe the injured area with a massage. They will also help the patient to perform various stretches in a safe manner, and guide the patient through many exercises. At the end of the session, the physical therapist may also assign a home physical therapy program.
Designed to continue a patient’s recovery progress outside of the physical therapy office, a home exercise program encourages patients to participate in specific exercises. Patients can increase their chances for recovery by regularly performing these exercises and strengthening musculature.
A Personalized Approach
When implementing a home exercise program for a patient, the results are tailored to each individual. Even for people who have the same injury, the home exercise program is specific to the needs of each patients. This is because the condition of each person’s body is different, and is influenced by their individual history. For example, two people with the same ACL injury may not have the same HEP because of the leg issues that one suffers from. Individual history like this will dictate the type of exercises– whether they are stretches, strength training or endurance training— and the order. With this personalized approach, people can enjoy a quicker and easier recovery. As patients gradually recover, they will be increased with tolerance, so that pain does not increase.
The Mental Benefits of a Home Exercise Program
A diligent home exercise program is imperative for patients who need to work particular muscles to recover. However, it is important in other ways, too. For patients who are both physically unable to move and mentally discouraged, the home exercise program is essential. As patients continue to successfully perform their exercise, they will gradually build a greater confidence in their ability to overcome the injury. With these small but significant steps, the road to recovery is much shorter, and reduces the fear of greater intensity or frequency.
Achieve a Lasting Recovery
When attending a MAXX Physical Therapy, your primary goals should be to enjoy a lasting recovery. With a HEP, this is possible. Because a home exercise program guarantees more regular exercises, the body is healing more naturally and in a more constructive fashion. So, it will be stressing less once you regain your ability to move the rest of your body. This will also prevent your injury from recurring.
Why Should I Exercise With an Injury?
For many people, the instinctual response to an injury is rest. And, while that may be the best recourse in the short term, it is not a smart long term solution. Instead of resting, it’s important to exercise. To prevent further injury, you should not exercise the same way that you normally do. Rather, with the help of a MAXX physical therapist, you should determine a plan that will help your body to heal in a controlled fashion. The numerous anti-inflammatory effects are essential in helping your body to overcome these injuries. Patients that follow through with these exercises are more likely to recover faster. Though it may bring on some discomfort, physical therapists will detect when patients do these exercises. They will also be able to complete exercises in therapy with greater confidence. Beyond treatment, these exercises may be helpful in preventing future injuries.
MAXX Physical Therapy
At MAXX Physical Therapy, we are committed to helping all patients overcome their injuries. Our dedicated physical therapists will help you to push the boundaries of your physical limits by creating individualized treatment plans. Contact us for more information about why a home exercise program can help you.
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