PT Should Be More Than OK

If you’re coming to Orlin & Cohen for physical therapy, that’s great. You’re taking an important step toward managing your pain and taking your life back. But while we do all we can to help you feel better, you are an essential part of your own recovery.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of your physical therapy.

Words to the wise

 Here at Orlin and Cohen, our therapists and physicians work side by side, so they are constantly communicating about how to get you back to the activities you love. Orlin & Cohen physical therapists know a lot about how to help you feel better, but they can’t know everything without your help. After all, every person’s body is different, and people’s expectations for their body also differ from person to person. Our therapists are experts in their field, but they’re not experts on you. Of course, your therapist will collaborate with your orthopedic specialist before you begin physical therapy, but it’s also important to be as forthcoming as possible about your injury, its history, and your goals for recovery. This information will help your therapist design a program that will help you recover the way you want. Also, it’s important to speak up if you’re having trouble with an exercise your therapist gives you. There’s no need to be embarrassed—after all, you’re at therapy to get help. If there’s a problem, let your therapist help you with it. That being said, though, try to avoid changing the subject to another injury. A separate injury requires a separate assessment to determine the best course of treatment. That can be done, of course—and once the injury is assessed, your therapist can treat multiple areas in a single session—but switching gears without warning is not effective for your therapy (and there may also be separate insurance billing involved).

Stay committed

At a certain point, physical therapy only works as well as you do. That means doing your exercises at home as directed by your therapist—finding a dedicated place to do them—and staying committed to your sessions. Sometimes, patients will want to avoid therapy when they’re in pain, but that’s when it’s most important, because it gives your therapist the best opportunity to understand your injury and your body better.

Keep it going

Often, the need for physical therapy arises from an accident, but if pain develops over time, then it’s important to examine what in your life brought the pain about, and how you can make corrections. As you conclude your therapy program, talk to your therapist about how you can keep your body strong going forward.

Are you ready to start a physical therapy program? Consult a specialist at Orlin & Cohen, Long Island’s top orthopedic team. Immediate appointments are available: Request yours now.