After going through the process of searching for the right physical therapist — you’ve chosen Barbell Therapy & Performance and booked your first session. While you may be feeling excited to get started on your journey to recovery – you may not know what to expect.
It’s common to be nervous before your first session. The unexpected can make us feel uneasy. Especially when you’re dealing with nagging pains or surgery recovery. Whatever the reason — keep reading to find out how you can get the most out of your experience here at Barbell Therapy & Performance.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Sessions
While you have goals in mind and know what you want to achieve, here are some extra tips to make sure you get the most out of your physical therapy experience.
Mindset matters in physical therapy – just like in every aspect of life. When you come motivated and ready to work with us during treatment — you are actively setting yourself up for success. Not only does it help your mood, but it also helps your performance. When you are in a motivated mindset and come ready to achieve your goals — this helps you feel energized which allows you to perform better during your sessions. Making sure you have a positive mindset during PT is one of the best things you can do for not only your body but yourself – allowing you to get the most out of your experience.
Commit to the work. While sometimes staying motivated can be difficult and challenging — committing to the work and the appointments you make is essential to your recovery. It’s possible there are going to be days when you don’t feel motivated to come to your appointment – you’d rather just stay at home on the couch. What makes the difference is showing up anyways, and staying committed, even when you feel like doing the opposite. We know recovery can be a long process for some — but we’ll be there with you every step of the way. Committing and showing up is a great way to ensure you’re making the most out of your experience.
Keep the end goal in mind. Remember why you started in the first place. There’s so much you’ve had to miss out on due to your pain — and you’re finally taking the necessary steps to get back to the life you’ve been missing.
It’s likely that the pain you’re experiencing has held you back from certain areas of your life. Maybe you’ve had to hold back during your workouts and modify your intensity. Maybe you can’t play and keep up with your grandchildren like you’d wish to. Maybe it’s simple activities that have become difficult, like going up and down the stairs or walking around the grocery store. Reasons like this are why you started – because you’re not able to live life YOUR way.
So, when times get tough and motivation is low — remember why you started. Remind yourself of all the things you want to get back to. Keeping a list of goals and reasons, whether it’s in a journal or on your phone, can be an excellent reminder to keep going when you feel like quitting.
Ask questions. Your PT is there to help. If there is anything you are concerned about or there’s just a simple question you’d like answered – don’t be afraid to ask. Your PT is there for YOU. Their job is to make sure you feel comfortable during your sessions. Asking questions shows that you care and will help you get a clear understanding of what you’re going through – allowing you to continue your sessions with clarity and peace of mind.
Hopefully, these tips have helped you prepare and set you up for success during your physical therapy sessions. When you keep a positive mindset and come motivated – you can be sure you’ll be getting the most out of physical therapy.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our physical therapy services and how we can get you back to the life you’ve been missing, be sure to call (978) 219-4001 to find out more.
