Homework is an essential part of a successful physical therapy program. Just like your favorite high school class, you receive physical therapy homework to help you master the subject you are working on.
Coming to physical therapy 1-2 times a week isn’t enough to make MEANINGFUL and LASTING improvements to your balance, dizziness, strength, and overall health. Repetition and consistency create long term success.
Should you need more convincing, here are several reasons why you should do your physical therapy homework:
- Your physical therapist needs to know how you tolerate each exercise, so you can continue progressing towards your goals at each session.
- If you are sedentary, you need to build a strong foundation to make improvements; this is done through increasing your daily activity.
- These exercises are tailored to your specific needs at this time. This program is made for you!
- Practice makes perfect.
We know it can be difficult to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting. Here are some tips on how to be more successful with your home exercise program:
Make your physical therapy homework a priority. Schedule your exercises into your daily routine at the same time every day.
Adapt your homework to fit your lifestyle. Too busy to do all your exercises at once? Split them up during the day. We suggest doing half in the morning and half in the evening.
Quality over quantity. Don’t rush! Focus on taking the proper amount of time for each exercise and completing the prescribed amount of repetitions. Doing more repetitions or increasing the speed on your own will not help you recover faster.
Don’t expect immediate change. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Weakness, imbalance, and many other health conditions do not occur over night. Don’t expect them to resolve in one day either
Ask your physical therapist for clarification. Understanding how your exercises will help you reach your specific goals, may help you feel more motivated. Don’t be afraid to ask your physical therapist why you are performing a specific exercise. Contact us if you have questions.
Prioritize your health, be consistent with your homework, and trust the process. The results will be well worth the effort!
REMEMBER: Every time you do your homework, you are doing something good for your body.