An essential component of physiotherapy treatment is your physical therapy home exercise program. All physiotherapists know that patients who complete their exercises will have better outcomes from their treatment. However, it can be difficult to find time to complete them. Here are a few tips that can help you to fit your exercises into your weekly routine.
Plan when to complete them
Making a plan might sound simple, but the expression 'failing to plan is planning to fail' has some truth to it. Physical therapy exercises at home are specifically targeted towards weak and tight muscles. The exercises are likely to be a little difficult and uncomfortable. Setting time aside in advance to complete them can help you overcome any resistance to getting them done.
Ask your Physio to prioritise them
Your physiotherapists might give you a combination of exercises to complete. If you're struggling to find time to meet them all, ask your physiotherapist to rank the activities in order of importance. This can help you to make sure you complete the most important ones when you are short of time.
Set triggers as reminders
You can use small everyday tasks as reminders to remind you to complete your physiotherapy exercises at home. Some examples include boiling the kettle, brushing your teeth or as a final task before getting into bed.
Use Positive reinforcement
Combining a task you don't enjoy with the one you do is a great way to motivate yourself to consistently perform any physiotherapy home exercise you need to accomplish. You can pair your exercises with something you love, such as watching an episode of your favourite tv show. You can also reward yourself once they are completed. Either way, the more positive associations you make with completing your physiotherapy home exercise program, the fewer barriers you make to completing it.
The importance of home exercise program for physical therapy cannot be overemphasised. Want more tips? Ask your physiotherapist for their top tips and tricks for fitting your exercise program into your day.