Hello, my name is Gregory. When I was a young lad, I had to enter the health care world in an unexpected way. I developed a serious disease out of the blue that took doctors by surprise. I went through so many different testing procedures before my doctors could diagnose the rare disease. Everyone around me reeled as they tried to understand the purpose and process of the diagnostic tests. I hope to help others understand these important tests better through this website. Please come by often to learn all you need to know about medical diagnostics and working closely with health care professionals.
Talking About Diagnostic Tests For Medical Care
3 Things That Can Sabotage Your Therapy Progress
Nanja Bongers
If you hurt your back or recently had corrective orthopedic surgery because of an accident, your physician may have recommended a sports injury physical therapy program. A comprehensive rehabilitation program can help improve your range of motion, promote healing, and reduce your level of post-operative pain. Because you'll want to do everything possible in order reap the benefits of your prescribed physical therapy regimen, you should consider these three things that may sabotage your progress:
Avoiding Your Pain Medications
Some people choose to forego their prescription pain medications for fear of addiction. While opiate-based medications have the potential for dependence, your physician will prescribe them only if you are in severe pain. If you do not take your medication, your level of pain will not improve, which will hamper your physical therapy progress.
You will not be able to push yourself hard enough in accordance with your therapist's recommendations if you are in pain. Taking your prescribed medication an hour or so before the beginning of your appointment will help relieve your discomfort so that you can get more done during your sessions.
Smoking
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, cigarette smoking damages the function of your blood vessels, which are responsible for optimal circulation and post-surgical healing. In addition, smoking reduces lung capacity and can cause breathing problems. While performing your physical therapy exercises, you'll need to have an effective breathing pattern in order to avoid shortness of breath.
Smoking can also cause heart palpitations as a result of the nicotine. If you develop palpitations while doing your exercises, you may become anxious and unable to finish. If you are having trouble quitting smoking on your own, ask your health care provider to recommend an effective smoking cessation program. Also, if you have a surgical wound as a result of your orthopedic surgery, smoking avoidance may help it heal faster as your circulation improves.
Skipping Sessions
Some people who notice improvements in their conditions may skip their therapy sessions or quit altogether. This can lead to a relapse, improper healing, and may even raise the risk of having to undergo a second surgery. Always complete your physical therapy treatment plan in accordance with your doctor's recommendations. However, if you need to miss a day or want to stop attending, speak with your therapist and physician before doing so.
If you are facing physical therapy, speak to your healthcare provider about the above situations. By following your doctor's orders and complying with your therapy instructions, you are more likely to enjoy a full recovery.
For more information, contact a local company like Advanced Physical Therapy.
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