If you are new to physiotherapy, or even if you have experienced treatment in the past, you may be wondering how to make the most of the time and energy you are investing, and how to ensure you are getting your desired results.
We will support you along your physiotherapy journey, however, it is as important that you be your own advocate to get the results you are trying to achieve by following the schedule and regime provided by your physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy is not all about getting “something done to you” but more about “something done with you.” The secret to getting the most out of your treatment is as simple as following a few steps. These steps will help ensure you leave your appointment feeling satisfied, confident, and ready to work towards your goals.
1. Find the right therapist for you
Find a physio that you feel comfortable with. Physiotherapists come with many different experiences and specialties and some even use different approaches depending on the injury or concern. When booking an appointment and during your initial assessment, take the time to ask the questions that are important to you and ensure you feel comfortable and trust the physio you will be working with closely.
You may have seen one of our Physiotherapists for your back but now need someone with concussion experience, or one that performs manipulation, or one who is great with knees. We are happy to help you find the right fit at the right time. At our clinic we believe in a team approach to treatment and will often bring in another therapist to assist with your condition if you and your therapist feel it would be beneficial to your recovery.
2. Come prepared
Arrive a few minutes early for your first appointment to fill out any intake forms or insurance claims. Most of these forms will be emailed to you in advance but sometimes we may have questions or maybe you do too, we don’t want to spend the time allocated to your session doing anything but helping you get better.
Dress in clothes you can move around in or make sure to pack an extra set of clothing. Clothing should have the ability to expose the part of your body that you would like us to look at and provide the ability for you to do some exercise. (We always have shorts and gowns available for you if you need.)
3. Communicate and ask questions
Make sure you are getting into detail about the limitations of your injury. Ensure your physio knows the extent of what you can and can't do. If you are unsure why your physio is doing certain things or what the purpose of an exercise or treatment is, make sure to ask questions. We love answering questions and explaining our course of treatment. The more questions you ask, the more we understand your needs and goals. The better you understand the “what and why” of we are doing what we do, the easier it is for you to help us by doing your part at home.
4. Set goals
Everyone has different expectations and goals for what they want to get out of their treatment plan. Just the same as every single body is different, every injury is different, and depending on your lifestyle, you will have your own unique set of goals. Creating goals and sharing them with your physiotherapist will ensure you are on the right path to recovery and allow your physio to adapt your treatment plan according to your specific needs.
For example, maybe your goal is to be able to play golf, the goals of treatment would differ depending on if you intend to use a golf cart or want to walk the course. Help us understand where you want to be so we can get you there as fast as we can and keep you there.
5. Schedule appointments regularly
If you want to see results make sure you are following the schedule for treatment that the therapist thinks will be the most beneficial. Ask your physio about the best scheduling that will ensure you get the results you desire (frequency and duration) and make sure to follow that schedule.
Nobody likes to take two steps forward and one step back, treatment often requires a certain degree of “momentum” so that progressions are made appropriately. Stopping and starting due to large gaps only slows things down. If you have limited availability, make sure you are booking in advance so that you can find a time that works for you.
As well, if you are unable to come into the clinic, we also do offer virtual sessions for your comfort and convenience.
6. Do your homework
The best way to see maximal results is by completing your at-home exercise program. We as physiotherapists have a pretty good idea about when you are doing your homework and when you decide to skimp out a bit on your at home rehab. We put a great deal of thought and effort into making sure your home program works well for you to help you achieve your goals.
If something isn’t going well, if it’s getting too easy, or you don’t understand something once you get home and get going; don’t stop, you can send a message to your physiotherapist through Physiapp. The time you spend with us is important but the time in between is even more important.
7. Be patient
Sometimes recovery takes time, sometimes it happens quickly. Often the problems we are treating did not come up overnight. They took a long time to develop and your body took a long time trying to adapt before the pain got in the way. Follow through with your physiotherapy routine and make sure not to rush it, it does take time and effort. Make sure you talk to your therapist and get a clear understanding of what you can expect and what we are looking for before you progress your activity. We are here to support you along this journey and will always do what is best to ensure you meet your goals and stay healthy.
You can trust that our highly qualified, dedicated, and skilled practitioners will ensure that you get the very most out of your treatment by understanding your goals and answering any questions you may have. If you require a physiotherapist, schedule your appointment at our South Edmonton clinic by booking online or giving us a call at 780.438.0001.
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