Outpatient physical therapy can be great for managing chronic pain, improving mobility, and increasing overall well-being. But it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to fit it into your already hectic life. Since it’s outpatient, you have to make time in your day to attend the appointments. For many patients, these sessions happen multiple times a week.
Here are a few tips that may help make outpatient physical therapy more manageable:
1. Schedule Treatments around Existing Commitments
Find yourself feeling overburdened by one more thing on your plate.
Try scheduling your sessions right before or after appointments or activities you already have planned for the day.
This way, you’ll save time and energy making multiple trips out. That can be better than having just one large outing with all your tasks.
2. Book an Appointment ahead of Time
It’s important to make sure your appointments are scheduled far enough in advance that you can plan and prepare for the day. It’s not always easy to pull off last-minute scheduling.
Try to book at least a week in advance for the most convenience. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to make any necessary adjustments and create a plan that fits your schedule.
By scheduling appointments, you also avoid long waiting lists and ensure you get the care you need as soon as possible.
3. Carpool or Take Public Transportation
Having trouble fitting physical therapy sessions into your daily routine? Make it easier on yourself and carpool with a friend or family member.
This way, you can save time and money while also taking care of your physical therapy needs.
You could also take public transportation if that works better for you. Some people find that this helps them to relax and stay calm during the ride to their appointment.
4. Ask for Help
If you’re still finding it difficult to squeeze physical therapy into your daily life, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Friends and family members may be able to chip in with some extra time or resources.
Your physical therapist can also help by creating a custom-tailored plan that fits your needs. They can provide guidance on scheduling, as well as tips and tricks to make the process more manageable.
5. Follow Home Care Instructions
One of the most important aspects of outpatient physical therapy is actually following through on your home care instructions.
This can help you to get the most out of each session, as well as make sure that your progress continues even outside of the clinic.
Your physical therapist can provide guidance on how best to keep up with your home care routine. Make sure to ask questions if you’re not sure about something.
Also, take notes on any instructions that you get.
When to Seek Physical Therapy
Experiencing pain, discomfort, or limited mobility, or just want to increase your overall well-being? Outpatient physical therapy can be a great option.
Your physical therapist can help you if you experience the following:
- Chronic pain or discomfort
- Weakness or decreased mobility in any part of the body
- Injury resulting from accidents or sports activities
- Neurological or orthopedic issues such as stroke, arthritis, joint replacements, and fractures
Outpatient physical therapy can also be beneficial for the following:
- Postural dysfunction: Improve posture, flexibility, and strength
- Balance problems: Increase balance and coordination
- Overuse injuries: Reduce pain associated with repetitive movements or prolonged immobility
- Cardiopulmonary issues such as COPD or pulmonary hypertension
- Lymphedema: Improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling
- Geriatric care: Increase strength, balance, and mobility
Regardless of why you’re seeking physical therapy, getting started on the road to recovery can be daunting.
But by following these tips and planning ahead, you’ll be able to fit physical therapy into your day and start seeing results faster.
Outpatient Physical Therapy Near You in Lawton, OK
You can trust H2 Health if you need outpatient physical therapy near you in Lawton. We have over 135 physical therapy and occupational therapy facilities in Oklahoma and across the U.S. With our physical therapists and occupational therapists, you are always in good hands.
Still unsure if you need therapy? We offer complimentary screenings to help you decide. We look forward to helping you reap the benefits of physical therapy!
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (800) 699-9395 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
