Physical Therapy For Adults Tips To Help Your Loved One Through Therapy

By Reba White

Greener Pasture Care Services

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Physical Therapy For Adults Tips To Help Your Loved One Through Therapy

Physical therapy presents a significant benefit to those who are recovering from any type of trauma, surgery or injury. Elderly adults may be prone to severe pain and chronic disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, etc. Physical therapy is often recommended by ones physician to enhance strength, improve overall health and improve one's quality of life.

Though, physical therapy does not provide quick results. It takes time, effort and regular care at home to make it more effective. Family and professional caregivers plays a significant role during this process. Here are a few tips for caregivers to consider when caring for someone undergoing physical therapy.

Provide Ultimate Support

As a caregiver, providing continuous support to your loved one is essential. Physical therapy can be a demanding process. Therefore you should completely understand that without your support, they may not recover 100%. Encourage them, listen to their feelings, and support them in maintaining a positive attitude, celebrate every single improvement, but don't be forceful.

Attend All Physical Therapy Sessions

As a caregiver, you should encourage your loved one not to miss any appointments and attend all therapy sessions. Every single session is one step closer towards regaining their strength and improving their overall health. Please keep in mind missing a scheduled appointment can delay progress.

Don't Miss Homework

Physical therapy often includes some simple exercises to be done regularly at home. Caregivers should motivate and assist with completing these exercises as the Physician has prescribed. Following the regiment as directed by their physician, may indeed speed up recovery time.

Monitor and Record the Progress

Monitoring and recording your loved one's progress is an important aspect that should not be ignored. Below are some examples of information you may want to keep track of

Was your loved one able to stand?

How many steps was he or she able to take assisted and unassisted?

What are the exercises he or she performed?

How he or she felt when exercising?

The information you track and record can prove to be valuable, when following up with your loved ones physician on a subsequent visit.

Track Concerns and Notify Your Physician Immediately If Required

Similar to recording the progress, you should also notify your loved one's physician if any problems present. Discuss with your doctor kinds of items he or she would want reported immediately such as severe pain, and or inflammation or swelling in any extremity. Understanding the types of concerns to report can be key to your physician making appropriate modifications for continued success.