We missed World Physical Therapy Day on September 8, but let’s make sure we don’t miss the benefits of physical therapy (PT). As Albert Einstein said, “Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” And that’s where physical therapists come in—they “move people to action” (PTProgress.com).
“It will hurt.
It will take time.
It will take dedication.
It will require willpower.
It requires sacrifice.
There will be temptation.
But when you reach your goal it’s worth it.”
Author Unknown.
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The natural tendency is to resist PT because it hurts! Indeed that’s a common excuse for refusing to do assigned exercises. But as counter intuitive as it sounds, PT can help reduce pain and discomfort. For example, by strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments strain on the joints is eased. Therefore we need to be stronger than our excuses and follow the example of various patients:
“Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I give myself reasons why I can.”
(Proactivept.com)
“Today it hurts, tomorrow it works.”
(teepublic.com).
I know this from experience. At age 36, I had severe pain and immobility in my left shoulder. I’d had it before but, this time, rest and over-the-counter medication didn’t solve the problem. I was skeptical when an orthopedist referred me to PT. But after three months of anti-inflammatory pills, heating pads, ultrasound, stretching, and exercise, I was pain-free with improved range of motion. I also learned how to manage future frozen shoulder threats and flare-ups.
PT also helps with post-surgery rehabilitation. After my husband Robert’s bilateral hip replacements in 1997, he not only grew an inch, he also worked hard on his therapy. His discharge from the hospital to home depended on him being able to climb stairs into the house. He was so determined to achieve this goal that the therapist observed that he must be a workaholic. And she was right. Once at home, he continued his hard work and dedicated himself to reach his new goals of returning to the office and driving his vehicle.
After my aortic valve replacement open heart surgery in 2013, I imagined I would entertain visitors reclining on plumped up pillows in the bed. Instead hospital staff had me on my feet and walking circuits within a couple of days. The patients who stayed in bed instead of doing their daily walks were jeopardizing their recovery. I understood the connection between movement and healing, used all six of my PT home visits, and diligently did my exercises. Thankfully my therapist was very adept at modifying the exercise regime to my orthopedic limitations. He taught me how to stay physically active without breaching sternal precautions.
PT can also be an alternative to medication and surgery. It can increase endurance and strength, improve balance and breathing, and reduce joint inflammation. If you want independence without disabling pain, consider PT. Be ready to “push yourself; no one is going to do it for you.”
“The work you do today determines where you will be tomorrow.”
(k2-healthcare.com)
The therapy examples in this post are excerpted from “PASS ME YOUR SHOES: A Couple with Dwarfism Navigates Life’s Detours with Love and Faith,” book II in my dwarfism memoir trilogy. go to https://angelamuirvanetten.com for book details and retail links.