What to do After Being Released from Physical Therapy
At some point in your life, you might find yourself in physical therapy to help your body become more mobile after surgery or to address a medical condition. After the successful completion of a physical therapy program, it’s time to get back to your day-to-day life, which might include getting back into the gym, yoga studio, or out on the field.
After being released from physical therapy, finding an experienced personal trainer, who specializes in medical training, can help further your journey to health. A trainer can guide you through proper technique and movement so that you don’t sustain another injury.
How a Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer Help You
While Physical Therapists (PTs) are the experts in examining, diagnosing, and treatment of physical impairment and limitations after an injury or due to a medical condition, they usually only work with clients until they are fully released from medical care. Unfortunately, patients are often left with additional work to be done to facilitate their mobility but often lack information or direction, this is where a licensed personal trainer comes in.
A personal trainer will use an individualized approach to train clients based on their health and fitness needs. Post-rehab training will help you get back to your pre-injury or pre-surgery fitness level, and regain more stability and strength. At Dynamic Fitness, I use 40 different protocols and guidelines to address the needs of those recovering from hip replacements, rotator cuff tears, and lower back pain. I can help address some common concerns that you might have when you begin to work out or exercise after an injury or surgery.
Dynamic Fitness offers personal training for Post Rehab & Conditioning which is the next step after Physical Therapy with our health partner. Contact Dynamic Fitness & Medical Training for a consultation today - (813) 422-5671!
What Should I do After Being Released from Physical Therapy?
After physical therapy is done, and you move on to work with a personal trainer, here are some top things to keep in mind:
Ask Questions
That’s what we’re here for! These include:
How hard should I push myself?
Am I pushing hard enough?
Are these aches and pains normal or is my injury flaring up?
What exercises should I try at home?
Should I be stretching my injured muscles?
Make “Homework” a Priority
If your therapist has given you some exercises to work on at home, make sure you continue to do them. If you incorporate this “homework” whether it is stretching, or exercising into your everyday routine, you can progress more quickly and avoid re-injuring yourself.
Stay Fit for Life
Once you have graduated from physical therapy and begin work with a personal trainer, find easy ways to incorporate fitness and exercise into your life. Get outside for a walk or a swim, ride a bike, or play with your kids.
Once back to your pre-injury fitness level, you’ll feel better and experience an increased range of motion. Keep in mind not to push yourself too hard, this is why it’s good to work with a medical personal trainer so we can help restore your health even after an injury.
Restore, Rebuild, & Strengthen at Dynamic Fitness
The best way to avoid re-injury and move forward is to focus on rebuilding your strength in all parts of your body after physical therapy. With chronic pain or an injury, the body might have gotten used to compensating for the lack of mobility or pain, causing imbalances to occur.
One of the main goals of PT and then personal training is to help rebuild muscles that are strong enough to support and protect your joints, helping insulate you from further injury. By increasing the strength in your entire body, you create a solid foundation that is vital to returning back to day-to-day activities and exercise.
If you have recently been discharged from a Physical Therapist and are ready to take the next steps in your recovery and fitness journey, schedule a consultation with MAT® specialist and personal trainer, Maurice Harden at Dynamic Fitness.
Experience the difference of our holistic approach to your healthcare. Call (813) 422-5671 or schedule your fitness consultation today or to learn about our nutrition, massage, and mental health counseling services.