Rehab and Taking Initiative

Lifting weights is mostly safe, but injuries can still occur for one reason or another. When that happens, seeking help from a physical therapist is the intelligent and productive thing to do.

The problem is, many people follow rehab protocols but don’t see the results they want.

So, why is that? Let’s discuss.

What Is Physical Rehabilitation And What Is The Objective?
Physical rehabilitation (rehab) is a program designed to correct problems, restore movement, improve well-being, and allow people to go back to normal training and living.

Any good rehab program will include the following elements:

• Providing a thorough physical examination, allowing the professional to determine their patient’s condition
• Providing a precise diagnosis and prognosis for the patient
• Providing an actionable plan for the patient to start restoring their physical capabilities
• Providing a fluid treatment program for the patient
• Giving the patient self-care recommendations for things they can do on their own time

Rehab is primarily based on the patient working with a professional to restore movement, improve balance, fix motor pattern issues, and learn how to activate the correct muscles. But physical rehabilitation is often a long process that requires initiative from the patient.

What Does a Physical Rehab Program Look Like?
Rehab programs vary depending on the patient’s age, physical limitations, health status, and more. For example, an elderly individual with back pain would need a different type of treatment from a young athlete suffering from a shoulder injury.

The physiotherapist first examines the patient’s ailment to understand the situation better. In some cases, such as after a surgery, the therapist might not need to do an examination and can instead focus on developing a plan. The specialist then offers a concrete rehab plan for the patient along with a prognosis.

The therapist and patient then begin working together, often daily, to restore physical abilities, improve movement patterns, and help the person get back to normal living as soon as possible. The patient’s health status plays a huge role in how the plan looks and how difficult each session might be.

The Importance of Taking Initiative
Many people fall into the trap of thinking that rehab is only about working with a therapist or chiropractor. While important, that alone is rarely enough to help you overcome limitations as fast as possible.

The most significant issue is that your time with the specialist is limited, typically to an hour at a time. Meaning, you don’t have that much time to work on your issue, so being proactive and doing independent work is also essential.

Of course, being proactive will depend on your exact situation. If you’re suffering from a more severe issue, it would be better only to do exercises under the supervision of your therapist. But, if the problem isn’t as significant, consult your therapist and ask them for independent activities you can do on your own time.

Doing your homework will speed up the healing process and allow you to make quicker progress.