Exercise is a crucial element in adhering to a healthy lifestyle, and it is even more important for physical therapy patients. Those in travel therapy jobs may design workout regimens for their patients to do at home, as exercise can increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and aid in overall healing, according to Spine-health. However, it's up to those individuals to complete those exercise and achieve the advantages. Here are a few tips physical therapists can offer their patients who need a little motivation:
Set goals
"It's good for your health" is hardly a motivating reason to hit the gym. If it were, we'd all be fit fitness gurus. Instead of giving general reasons as to why a patient needs to complete an exercise regimen, consider setting goals that appeal to the individual. U.S. News and World Report used the example of Nancy D. Brown who turned to physical therapy treatment after having hip replacement surgery. Her surgeon originally said she wouldn't be able to participate in the activities she used to love, such as horseback riding, but Brown and her physical therapist aimed to change that outlook.
"My physical therapy is really about getting me ready to get back in the saddle," Brown said.
This goal was specific to Brown, but physical therapists can help create unique objectives by building connections with patients. For instance, you might learn that your patient has grandkids, and adhering to an exercise regimen may let him or her pick those babies up again without worrying about pain. Meanwhile, another patient may want to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.
Make it interesting
Often, exercise can seem like a chore, which may make patients less inclined to follow through with at-home regimens. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association found that barriers like lack of interest led to poor exercise adherence in older adult patients.
Of course, not every exercise is going to be exciting. Some individuals may only be able to lift small weights or spell out the alphabet by wiggling their feet. Simple adjustments like doing the workout during the commercials of a TV show or listening to music can make the task more interesting.
Work out with a partner
Everything's more fun with a friend, and physical therapy patients may need a partner to help motivate them to work out. As Fitness Magazine explained, planning to meet a buddy at the gym means you're more likely to show up, and it gives you a chance to catch up with the person. If your physical therapy patient mentions that she hasn't had much time to talk with her daughter, suggest they exercise together as an opportunity to reconnect. Plus, it's scientifically proven that working out with a partner is more motivating, per research from the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
Adhering to at-home exercises is critical for physical therapy success, so make sure you provide your patients with the proper motivation.