How to Get the Most Out of Your Physical Therapy Sessions
Whether you’re buying the latest smartphone or taking a short course, you want to get the most out of anything that takes your valuable time or money. That may be because you want to use your limited resources wisely, or because you hope to improve yourself and finish a class—or a product’s useful life—as a better person. Physical therapy is no different.
When your physician recommends that you undergo physical therapy, you submit yourself to a highly individualized program—which consists of education, functional training, manipulative techniques, and therapeutic exercises, among others—created by your physical therapist (PT). This program is usually developed in collaboration with your prosthetist to ensure that your prosthesis will be uniquely tailor-fit to your body and is able to adapt well to how you move.
How your PT and other healthcare providers choose a treatment strategy for your rehabilitation journey depends on a lot of factors, such as your previous and current functional level, strength, endurance, health, and your goals or the things you want to be able to do after your program.
Knowing that there is a lot at stake in your physical therapy, you may want to get a reputable PT. However, the success of your physical therapy is largely dependent on your efforts—regardless of how good your PT is. This is why it always helps to know what to expect from your PT or from your physical therapy program.
If you are about to embark on your own rehabilitation journey, treat this as your class orientation. And to set you up for success, we’ve outlined some helpful tips for you below:
1. Look for the right physical therapist
Just like choosing a prosthetist, looking for the right PT is going to require a bit of research. Although any PT may do just fine, it’s always best to seek out one who is knowledgeable about working with amputees to ensure that you will get a specialized approach.
2. Talk with your physical therapist before your amputation
If possible, schedule a call or a meeting with your chosen PT before your amputation. This way, you can discuss what to expect after the amputation, which can help you better prepare for the crucial post-operative phase. Depending on the treatment strategy you and your PT have agreed on, you may also have to start the program even before your amputation.
3. Set short- and long-term goals
Many productivity experts and motivational speakers extol the benefits of setting short- and long-term goals. This not only allows you to better track your progress, but it is also one of the best ways to ensure success. But before you write down your goals, consult your PT, who can help you see how realistic the milestones are. Without your PT’s expert advice, you may find yourself setting goals that will eventually work against you. Unmet goals have a way of discouraging you from the entire process, so set your own goals with caution.
4. Work on regaining movement independence
In the early stages of recovery, your physical therapist may help you practice essential activities, including getting in and out of bed, transferring to a chair, and moving safely around your home. Depending on your abilities and recovery needs, you may also learn to use mobility aids such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair.
Because balance and mobility can change after an amputation, preventing falls is an important part of rehabilitation. Your therapist will guide you through these activities safely and prepare you for prosthetic training when appropriate. The timing and sequence will depend on your healing, physical condition, and rehabilitation goals.
5. Prepare your body to use a prosthesis
At this point, your physical therapist will help you devise and stick to a personalized plan to move forward in your rehabilitation journey. The approach will greatly depend on your unique needs and abilities. To create the plan, your PT will take into consideration your body’s need for recovery, increased strength, and improved balance, all of which will help you function independently with your prosthesis. So, don’t get discouraged if you see that your PT’s plan may take a bit longer than you initially expected. Instead, focus on working through the program one day at a time.
During this stage, your rehabilitation team may also recommend compression garments or other methods to manage swelling and changes in shape. Your physical therapist, prosthetist, and other healthcare providers can work together to determine when your residual limb is ready for prosthetic fitting.
Other steps your PT may take to prepare you for your prosthesis may include the following: properly positioning your residual limb, stretching and strengthening your muscles, and establishing a daily limb care and hygiene routine.
6. Remember that a prosthesis is just a tool
Many people before you have expected everything to get better as soon as they put on their prosthesis. Let’s keep our expectations realistic and remember that a prosthesis isn’t a magic tool. Even the best, top-of-the-line models won’t make everything better the moment you put them on. But with consistent therapy, you can work toward getting better.
Consistent participation in your rehabilitation program can help you develop the strength, balance, and skills needed to use a prosthesis, though progress and readiness differ from person to person.
7. Learn how to use your prosthesis properly
While the responsibility of using your prosthesis properly is up to you, you can ask your PT to teach you how to manage your movements so you can use your prosthesis in a safe and effective manner.
Also, make sure that you are always in good physical shape. This is because the more you learn to use your prosthesis and the better shape you are in, the more energy-efficient you will be. This is extremely important because using a prosthesis requires a lot of energy. At this point in your rehabilitation journey, your PT and prosthetist will also need to work together to fine-tune your prosthesis to meet your unique needs.
8. Learn as much as you can
Your physical therapist can teach you how to build strength and endurance and use your prosthesis properly. It’s up to you, though, to understand the benefits of physical therapy—the more you know, the more you may get out of it. Read relevant resources, ask questions of experts such as your prosthetist and PT, and talk with other amputees who can support you throughout rehabilitation. Learning about your rehabilitation options, goals, and treatment plan can help you participate more confidently in your care and stay engaged when progress feels slow. The more you learn about your new lifestyle, the easier it may be to stay motivated.
9. Maximize, maximize, maximize
Leave no stone unturned: review your insurance policy for benefits that can support your rehabilitation. You can also get more from physical therapy by asking your physical therapist to teach you exercises you can do at home on your own.
Before each physical therapy session, consider writing down any questions, difficulties, or changes you've noticed since your last appointment. These might include increased fatigue, balance problems, skin irritation, or trouble using your prosthesis during daily activities. Sharing this information can help your therapist adjust your rehabilitation plan and focus on the challenges that matter most to you.
10. Remember that good physical therapists are teachers
A good physical therapist does more than guide you through exercises. They also teach you skills and strategies for managing everyday activities, using your prosthesis safely, and maintaining your mobility over time.
Rehabilitation doesn't necessarily end after your first course of physical therapy. Your needs may change as your strength, prosthesis, health, or activity goals evolve, and additional therapy may help at different stages of life.
The bottom line
Going through physical therapy can be tough. You may experience some discomfort as you work toward a stronger, healthier body that can support your new lifestyle. The good news is that many people, including your PT, are there to support you. Go into each session with a positive mindset and try to get the most out of the experience. Before you know it, you’ll regain your independence and be ready to make the most of life.
Related Reading:
Traditional vs. High-Tech Rehab: What Research Shows About Adjusting to a Lower-Limb Prosthesis
How People With Lower-Limb Loss Can Improve Gait Through Exercise
