Physiotherapy isn’t always about making progress. Sometimes, it’s about maintaining even if you aren’t 100%. Yes, we want to see you get better, but we also want to set realistic goals and expectations because life gets in the way. Trips, work, and various commitments can disrupt our routines. When life gets busy, managing our expectations becomes crucial. After all, we are only human.
Why Maintenance Matters
Maintaining your physiotherapy routine is essential for preventing setbacks. Continuously pushing at the same intensity while adding a new variable (i.e. increasing your time on the computer at work or shoveling when you have to haul grain) can lead to overexertion, potentially causing flare-ups and setbacks in your recovery journey.
Maintaining your progres helps in preserving the gains you’ve made during your recovery journey. It prevents regression and keeps your muscles &j oints engaged and primed for further progress when life settles down.
How to Maintain
Communication with your physiotherapist is key. Inform them of any upcoming events or changes in your schedule so that adjustments can be made accordingly. By maintaining an open line of communication, you and your physiotherapist can work together to create a plan that fits your lifestyle without compromising your progress.
Examples of Modifications:
- Traveling on a Hot Holiday: Adjust your exercises to require minimal equipment, ensuring they can fit into your suitcase. Consider incorporating water exercises while enjoying the beach. Remember, just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your physiotherapy needs to halt.
- Work Busy Season: Whether you’re hauling grain or crunching numbers during tax season, every job has its busy periods. During these times, scale back your exercises if needed. Doing fewer reps or exercising every other day can help maintain progress. Consistency is key; even a small effort is better than none at all.
When to Modify?
Knowing when to modify your routine is crucial, especially when introducing new activities or increasing their frequency. Discuss any changes with your physiotherapist to ensure your routine aligns with your recovery goals. They may suggest integrating new activities gradually into your regimen.
It’s also essential to listen to your body. If you experience increased pain or discomfort during or after an activity, it may be a sign that you need to modify your routine temporarily.
The Mental Aspect
Maintaining your physiotherapy routine isn’t just about physical health; it’s also about mental well-being.When we get into a chaotic state with juggling multiple responsibilities at the same time; it creates stress. Life pulls us in multiple directions: kids and their activities, work, household chores, the list goes one. Then we add in physio exercises!!! I feel stressed just writing about it.
When we have stress in our lives, our body releases cortisol. Cortisol has a role in increasing pain levels even though there has been no physical change in the tissues. If we can manage our expectations during the peaks of chaos then hopefully it is one less stressful thing to worry about. Sorry, we can’t help you with your kid’s activities.
Give yourself permission to scale. It doesn’t mean that you are failing or not getting better. It means that you are being responsible and that you will get better faster in the long run. No pain, no gain is not applicable here.
Conclusion
By prioritizing maintenance, you’re not only preserving the progress you’ve made but also fostering a long-term plan that supports your overall well-being. Remember, it’s okay to maintain it when life gets busy. Your physiotherapy journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the process, stay committed, and trust that even small efforts can lead to significant outcomes in the long run.
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