Completing physical therapy sessions is a huge milestone for anyone who is recovering from a severe injury or illness. But for many, the day-to-day challenges of sports injury rehabilitation are far from over. From riding a bike to tying your shoes, normal activities can still be challenging when you’re trying to return to normalcy. Here’s how to make the most out of post-therapy recovery:
Stay In Motion
“A body in motion tends to stay in motion” is a crucial part of Newton’s First Law, but it’s also a tip for those looking to stay in shape after physical therapy. Swimming is an excellent way to increase blood flow and minimize the impact on the joints, which is why aqua therapy for back pain has become so popular. Even walking can increase blood flow to the recovering area and fundamentally promote healing. An idle body part can atrophy and become weaker if it goes unused for too long, so it’s essential to keep moving. This advice applies to people with injuries of all types.
Maintain a Proper Diet
Food is fuel, and overeating the wrong stuff can deprive you of vital nutrients and energy needed for exercise. Fruits and vegetables are critical, as are proteins and healthy fats like fish, nuts, and certain types of cheese. Hydration is also not to be overlooked — health officials recommend that you drink about 2 liters of water per day. The recommended amount of water is one ounce for every pound of body weight if you are training.
Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep is crucial, and if you are recovering from a severe injury or illness, you understand how much it can hurt to not get enough. The CDC recommends that all adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night. This is especially important when it comes to letting an injury heal.
The end of physical therapy sessions does not mean the end of challenges, and keeping up with exercise can help conquer them and allow you to come out stronger than ever upon recovery. We even feature an app for Android, Apple, and Google devices to help you continue your rehabilitation efforts! For more information, reach out to the professionals at Total Performance Physical Therapy today.
