Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
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Step 1
Make an appointment to see a physical therapist if you experience pain and limited mobility as a result of surgery. Rather than treat your pain symptomatically with medication, you may need to work out your issues with a supervised course of treatment.
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Step 2
Learn methods of physical therapy that you can do in your own home. Supplementing sessions in the therapist's office will allow faster recovery and decreased pain. At-home treatment should only be done if your type of injury can withstand accelerated treatment.
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Step 3
Develop a routine of stretching to reduce pain. Patients who don't prepare their bodies with appropriate stretching may experience increased pain and injury.
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Step 4
Know that treatments like ultrasound, massage and inversion are procedures you may need to use as a part of your total physical therapy program to alleviate pain.
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Step 5
Learn more about physical therapy techniques at the "American Physical Therapy Association" Web site (see Resources below).
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Step 1
Improve your athletic performance by working on key components of endurance using physical therapy. Training with a therapist on a treadmill, for example, may be one way to increase athletic stamina.
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Step 2
Prepare to have an increased sense of well-being after using physical therapy. Patients suffering from depression as a result of injury or inhibited mobility often find their therapy helps gain a positive perspective on the situation.
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Step 3
Approach physical therapy as a way to strengthen and condition the body for a lifetime. Precautionary methods like ergonomics and proper lifting techniques can be educational and important to limit future injury.
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Step 4
Consider increasing your power, coordination and balance. Plyometrics, a physical therapy, multi-directional exercise program, may be a helpful means to do that.
