Rehab can be a daunting task. Everybody enjoys reaching the end goal, but it’s the journey to the goal that is the most difficult part. Rehab varies from person to person; some people progress quicker than others. It is important to remain patient! Frustration can be your biggest enemy during a rehab plan. It is important to fight this frustration and not to give up. Below are a few tips on how to stick to your prescribed rehab plan.
1. Believe in your rehab plan
Your physiotherapist will give you exercises to do at home, along with lifestyle advice to incorporate into your daily routine. The first tip is to believe in the treatment plan that your physiotherapist gives you. Believing in the plan will help you stick to the plan going forward. Your physiotherapist is an expert in movement and exercise prescription, and understands what is best for you!
2. Make sure to understand your rehab plan fully
Having a good understanding of why you are doing the exercises and understanding the benefits of them will further lead you down the correct rehab path. It is your physiotherapist’s job to fully educate you on the rehab plan so if you have any questions make sure to ask.
3. Plan out your day
Your physiotherapist will likely ask you to complete your exercise plan 2-3 times a day. The best way to make sure that you do the exercises as much as possible is by planning specific time slots to do the exercises. The best way to do this might be to wake up 30 minutes earlier, maybe doing the exercises as soon as you get in from work, or leave 30 minutes at the end of the day to fit the exercises in.
4. Fill your family or friends in on the plan
Explaining the purpose of the rehab plan to your family or friends can be beneficial. If they know how often you are supposed to be completing your exercises they can motivate you to do them more regularly. Some may also complete the exercises with you. This will ensure that you are more motivated and that you see greater progress with your rehab plan.
5. Set goals
Setting realistic short-term goals can be beneficial to keep you on track with your rehab plan. Everybody’s goals differ and it is important to discuss these with your physiotherapist.
6. Be patient
Patience is key. Rehab can be a slow progress, so it is important to continue with your exercise plan regularly and you will see gradual improvement.
7. Keep active
It is important to ensure that you continue to be as active as possible during your rehab plan. Physical activity is the best form of medicine. Obviously the extent of the activity that you can complete depends on your condition. Waking, swimming and cycling are all great forms of physical activity to continue with during a rehab plan.
8. Long term prevention
When you are coming to the end of your rehab plan, it is essential to continue with the lifestyle advice and exercises that your physiotherapist gave you in the long term. Maintaining your rehab plan going forward will reduce the chances of you needing further physiotherapy intervention in future.
By following these tips you will see progress with your rehab plan. If you’d like to book an appointment, we’ve got multiple clinics across Ireland where our Chartered Physiotherapists can help you.
