When six months have passed since you exercised with regularity – how do you get back into a healthy routine? October is National Physical Therapy Month and this year the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) will focus on the benefits of regular physical activity. Specifically, the role your PT plays to keep you healthy and active. With the challenging times this year has brought many of us, we want to highlight the importance of listening to your body when you return to your workout routine.
Work smarter, not harder
Lack of regular exercise increases our chances of injury. This leaves those who have been inactive these past few months at greater risk. Another term for this is deconditioning, when lack of activity causes our cardiovascular health to decline and our muscles lose strength. To combat this, your first thought may be to open a membership at the local gym, but instead trust a movement expert to handle your transition back into regular fitness.
Don’t skip the warm-up
Strains, muscle cramps, inflammation, and pulled muscles are common injuries for individuals who try to rush back into physical activity. It’s also likely to suffer from “burnout” if you force yourself into a workout routine that is not suited for your lifestyle.
Think of your fitness like an organized sport – you wouldn’t sprint down the field or attempt the high jump before you stretch and allow your muscles to warm up first. This is the same for transitioning back into an active lifestyle. There is no shame in starting small. Enlist help from your physical therapist to help you to make smarter and safer decisions. Their guidance will direct you on the best choices, such as the duration and intensity of your workouts, to prevent injury. Your physical therapist will identify your needs and areas of improvement, as well as teach you the correct form, stretch, weight and limit for your body.
For more than just rehab
Many people only consider a physical therapist when they are in recovery from an injury, but consistent sessions with your PT can help build up strength and endurance to avoid common injuries.
Physical therapists are not just skilled at forming good habits and successful rehabilitation, but they can identify and treat frustrating everyday pains. The constant lower back pains or stiff neck you suffer through don’t have to limit your mobility anymore. Plus, there is no need to see a doctor for these aches and pains – come see your physical therapist directly, with no physician referral needed.
Our team will assess your limitations and determine a custom treatment plan for you. We will implement healthy and safe therapies to push you further in your mobility, flexibility and strength. This will build a strong support system for when you return to regular fitness. Some of our services include:
Manual therapy
Dry needling
Strength and balance training
Custom splints and orthotics
Wellness education
The transition back into “normal” fitness does not have to be faced alone, we are in it together! Visit our website for more information on our physical therapy services, cash prices and clinic locations across the Southeast.
Join us this month and celebrate the importance of physical therapy, as well as our awesome therapists! For more information on physical activity benefits, visit the APTA website.
TherapySouth thanks you for your dedication to our clinics and your health. We look forward to providing you with Hands on Care, Close to Home.
