Co pays and insurance rates keep going up and up and benefits for therapy keep going down. So when referred to a physical or occupational therapist, it’s important to make the most out of your appointments.
A therapist is there to assess what deficits or issue the patient has, to produce a program to help the patient, to demonstrate and instruct the patient on the safe and proper way to perform the exercises. Your job as a patient is to work hard and complete your exercises at home as instructed.
So what should one do to prepare for a visit with the therapist?
- When you go for therapy be sure you understand the exercises that you are being taught. What muscles you are using and make sure you are doing them properly.
- At home, do the exercises in front of a mirror in order to see if you are performing them properly and not “cheating.”
- Bring a note pad and take notes on what the therapist is telling you.
- Ask for a print out of your home exercise program, elastic tubing and/or putty to take home for your exercises.
The more you do at home, the less you have to do with a therapist. A therapist is there to make sure you are doing the exercises correctly and safely. Make sure you have a complete understanding of what you’re trying to accomplish with each exercise.
The therapist and the doctors objective is to get you back on your feet and as close to normal as possible.
By: Stephanie Jones