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How To Maintain Progress After Physical Therapy Treatment

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If you’re an active individual who loves to stay active in any way possible, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with chronic pain or an injury that just won’t go away. 

Ever since the pain started, you haven’t been able to feel like yourself and live life how you truly want to. Instead, you’re stuck trying to find ways to find relief that never end up giving you the long-term relief you desire. 

So, you seek physical therapy for your condition. Through treatment you realize that PT was the solution for you ALL along…but now, your treatment sessions are coming to a close and you’ve found yourself wondering: “How am I going to maintain progress?” 

In this blog post, we’re giving you 5 ways to maintain progress after your PT sessions have come to an end. 

1. Follow Your Physical Therapist’s Instructions

This follows closely with the PRO-TIP I gave you at the beginning of this blog—The first and most important step to maintaining progress after physical therapy treatment is to follow the instructions of your physical therapist. Typically, your PT will provide you with a detailed home exercise program that will help you keep up the progress you’ve already made during your in-clinic sessions. Make sure you take your PTs advice to heart and perform your exercises at home regularly and correctly to avoid any negative setbacks—the last thing you want is to be right back where you started before you made all of this glorious progress throughout your sessions. 

2. Stay Active 

Regular exercise is essential to maintaining your progress after physical therapy sessions (during and after). Not only that, but it’s always a good idea to prioritize physical activity for your overall health and wellness. When you do so, this can help you maintain flexibility, strength, and endurance. Whether it’s taking a walk around the block, swimming a couple of laps, bike rides with a friend, or even yoga—simply just making sure you prioritize movement is a great way to maintain progress. Just be sure to avoid activities that could aggravate your condition or cause further pain and/or injury. 

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for keeping progress after physical therapy treatment. This means eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep every night, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking, too much sugar and/or fast foods, etc. When you avoid unhealthy habits, you’re actively maintaining your overall health and well-being. When we take care of ourselves, it reduces the possibility of further injury or chronic conditions from occuring in the future. 

4. Find Positive Ways To Manage Your Stress

Stress—as we know—can have a negative impact not only on our mental health, but our physical health, as well. Finding positive ways to manage your stress and prioritize self-care is a great way to continue to maintain progress after your PT sessions. You can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. You can also engage in self-care activities that help you feel more connected to yourself such as reading, journaling, listening to music or your favorite podcasts, and spending quality time with people that make your life better. 

5. Continue to Monitor Your Condition

Monitoring your condition, even after treatment has ended, is essential for maintaining the progress you’ve made. Pay attention to any changes in symptoms, such as pain or weakness, and report them to your physical therapist so you don’t accidentally make your condition worse. If you do notice any changes, your PT may need to adjust your treatment plan (which they’ll be happy to do so—your success is our number one priority!) 

In conclusion, maintaining progress after physical therapy treatment is crucial for long-term health and wellness. By following your PT’s instructions, staying active, prioritizing healthy living, positively managing your stress, and monitoring your condition, you can maintain progress and prevent future injuries or chronic conditions. 

Remember, here at Progressive Edge Physical Therapy in Union, NJ your physical therapist’s number one priority is your success. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure you’re making the progress needed to finally feel like yourself again and reach your goals. Your PT is your partner in your physical therapy journey and they are always available to help you find ways to maintain your progress. 

How Stress Relates to Pain

How Stress Relates to Pain 

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Ever been in a foreign country and tried to order food off a long, complicated, unfamiliar-looking menu? Did you use hand signals to describe the dish you wanted? Did you whip out your phone and hope Google had the answers? And, in the end, did you just close your eyes and hope that what landed on your plate was pork, not pizza? Yes, this situation can be frustrating, especially when you don’t end up getting what you wanted! This also happens when you’re experiencing chronic pain. Allow us to explain. 

When you’re in pain, your body is frantically trying to get your attention, waving hand signals, pointing at pictures, and speaking in a foreign language because it’s waiting for you to give it what it needs. 

Few of us think of pain as a language, and yet, it is. Pain is a very detailed, specific way of communication. Think of it this way — when you stub your toe, your brain sends a signal to your brain that something is wrong. So, why would it be any different when it comes to chronic pain? From back pain to knee pain, all have one thing in common: they’re signals from the body. 

And if your body is speaking to you — and for some of you reading this, it might be screaming at you — it’s time to take some notice. If you’ve experienced ongoing, debilitating pain – it’s not always easy to listen properly. You search for ways to find temporary relief, ways that don’t interfere too much with your already busy schedule. You might just not be understanding what your body is trying to tell you — and that’s okay. Most people don’t know what to do when they’re faced with a pain problem. And that’s why it’s absolutely vital to take a step back and start looking at one of the most important factors that could be contributing to your pain: stress. 

Stress 

For some people, general stress can be a motivator, pushing them forward to challenge their professional and personal boundaries. For others — this might not be the case. In fact, there are a lot of people out there who have become unfamiliar with the idea of “me-time” anymore because they’re stretched so thin. It’s easy for us to become so enveloped in our work, family, or other activities that stress goes unnoticed, not realizing what it could be doing to our well-being and our bodies. 

Stress is a bit like moving a bucket of water from one end of a football pitch to the other. Continuously. You’re so focused on moving the bucket over the outer boundary that you don’t feel your knees and back giving way. You just keep going. Eventually, inevitably, the water spills, and you’re left with a mess to clean up. 

What we sometimes don’t take into consideration is — what would happen if we put the bucket down? 

In the case of emotional stress, too, the concept remains the same. Because the brain processes stress as trauma, it, therefore, suffers from the effects of anxiety and stress for a while after the body actually experiences them. Again, this type of stress needs to be dealt with. Action needs to be taken, otherwise, the metaphorical bucket will always be close to tipping. 

It’s very evident in the world today that when you take the time to work on yourself, you feel better. Not only that but when you take much-needed breaks from work and stressful situations and focus on yourself and the things you want to do, your work and productivity actually improve. Despite traditional belief, working yourself down to the core won’t actually make the quality of your work any better – it’ll just leave you feeling stressed and empty. And this is also when your body could be giving you those signals we talked about earlier. 

The pain in your back, knees, ankle, and so forth, is your body telling you that something is very wrong with your routine. That’s when it’s time to listen. Taking a step back, and assessing your habits and your stress levels could be the change you need to finally start feeling good again. 

To summarize, taking the time to take care of yourself will only help you out in the long run. Take much-needed breaks, don’t stretch yourself too thin, and prioritize yourself and your well-being so you can continue to perform your very best and watch the pain fade into the background. 

If you do this and are still experiencing chronic pain – no worries. Here at Progressive Edge Physical Therapy in Union, NJ we specialize in helping people, just like you, reduce their pain so they can get back to living a quality life their way. To learn more about how we can help you win your life back, contact us today! 

“Pinched Nerve” What Is It And What Can I Do? 

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A pinched nerve can cause discomfort and debilitating pain. Depending on where the pinched nerve occurs in your body, this condition can affect your ability to work and carry out everyday tasks. However, with the help of a pinched nerve specialist, you may find relief from a pinched nerve without undergoing surgery.

This article provides an in-depth explanation of pinched nerves and the common causes of this condition. You’ll also learn more about the effective treatments for nerve compression. 

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve happens when a nerve is compressed by surrounding body tissue, such as bone, muscle, cartilage, or tendons. The increase in pressure damages the nerves, resulting in neurogenic pain and immobility.

Different types of pinched nerves exist, and they can occur at any location in the body:

●  Cervical radiculopathy (neck)

●  Thoracic radiculopathy (upper middle back)

●  Lumbar radiculopathy (lower back)

●  Ulnar neuropathy (hand)

●  Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist)

Anyone can sustain a pinched nerve. However, adults over 50 have a higher susceptibility for this condition, especially if they suffer from spine degeneration or arthritis.

The Causes of a Pinched Nerve

A wide range of factors can increase your risk for nerve compression. The most common causes of a pinched nerve include:

●  Physical trauma, for example, a sports injury, twisting movement, or awkward lifting movement.

●  Movement repetition, such as writing or typing.

●  Spinal degeneration and bone growths that compress nerves.

●  Rheumatoid arthritis and joint inflammation.

●  Excess weight from obesity or pregnancy causing nerve pathway swelling.

After a thorough examination, your pinched nerve specialist should recommend a treatment to address the primary factors causing the nerve compression.

Wrist, Neck, and Back Pain: Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

If you suffer from a pinched nerve, you will likely experience pain in some form. Because nerve compression pain is neurogenic, it differs from mechanical or muscle pain. Patients suffering from nerve compression typically complain of:

●  A shooting pain.

●  Dull or sharp aches.

●  “Pins and needles” sensations or tingling.

●  Numbness or a loss of feeling.

●  Muscle weakness or difficulty gripping objects.

The diagnosis of nerve compression by a pinched nerve specialist typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests.

Treatment Recommendations From a Pinched Nerve Specialist

The treatment you need depends on the severity and location of the nerve compression. Common treatments for pinched nerves include:

●  Resting.

●  Undergoing heat and cold therapy.

●  Administering corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.

●  Wearing hand splints or cervical collars to reduce motion.

●  Undergoing physical therapy that involves exercising and stretching.

If nerve pathway swelling is causing your pinched nerve, your doctor might recommend making lifestyle changes to prevent the issue from recurring.

When to Seek Physical Therapy Help

If you experience pain that doesn’t subside within a few days, you should schedule an appointment with a pinched nerve specialist. At Progressive Edge Physical Therapy, we can provide you with a comprehensive care plan to address the nerve compression cause and provide pain relief. Call us today at 201-563-8418 to schedule an appointment with us!

5 Ways To Prevent Falls In Your Own Home 

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When it comes to fall prevention and imbalance — it’s easy to become worried that one day, a fall may result in a terrible injury. You already feel yourself holding onto nearby objects for balance and you’re worried that with one wrong move, you could end up hurting yourself. 

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. In fact, falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits each year. Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling in your home. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss five ways for you to prevent falls in your own home. 

  1. Make Sure Your Home is Lit Well 

One of the most important things you can do to prevent falls in your home is to make sure it is well-lit. Poor lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles or changes in flooring which could potentially lead to a fall. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, make sure all areas of your home have adequate lighting (especially hallways and stairwells). One way to do this is to consider installing motion-activated lights or nightlights. That way, you don’t have to remember to turn them on yourself and they will be activated whenever you walk past, making it convenient (and safe) for you! 

  1. Remove Clutter and Tripping Hazards 

When it comes to fall prevention, it’s important that you keep a tidy space. Clutter and tripping hazards are major causes of falls in the home. To prevent this from happening, make sure all areas of your home are free from clutter, such as boxes, books, pet toys, magazines, and other likewise items that could easily be tripped over or cause someone to stumble. On top of that, make sure all electrical cords are tucked away properly and out of sight. Tripping on a cord could make for a serious injury — so do what you can to eliminate the possibility! 

  1. Install Non-Slip Mats and Rugs

One way to ensure you’re actively preventing slips and falls is to install and purchase non-slip mats and rugs throughout your home – especially in bathrooms and kitchens where spills are more frequent and likely to occur. On top of that, make sure any area rugs you have in the home are secured with double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so they don’t slide around when stepped on. If you have a rug in your entryway that isn’t secured, one wrong move could be all it takes for you to become seriously injured. 

  1. Improve Balance with Exercise

One great way to prevent injury from falls is to prioritize improving your balance with exercise — and one great way to do that is through physical therapy! Exercise is an important part of staying healthy as we age — but it’s also an important way for us to improve our balance and reduce the risk of falling in the home. Regular exercises taught to you by your physical therapist help strengthen your muscles which can help improve your balance and coordination — two key components when it comes to preventing falls. Talk with your PT about what types of exercises or plan of treatment is needed to actively take steps to prevent falls in the home. 

  1. Use Assistive Devices When Needed

If you find yourself unsteady on your feet or having difficulty getting around due to your balance issues, consider using assistive devices such as walkers or canes when needed for additional support when walking around the house or when out and about. These devices can provide extra stability while walking which can help reduce the risk of falls and provide peace of mind knowing that you have something there for added support. 

If you’re experiencing balance difficulties and feel as though you are at risk of falling and injuring yourself — these tips (as well as physical therapy) can help! To learn more about how Progressive Edge Physical Therapy in Union, NJ can help you reduce the risk of falling by improving your coordination and strengthening your muscles, be sure to contact us TODAY! We’d love to discuss your condition and come up with a plan to help you feel confident on your feet. 

In the meantime, be sure to take advantage of these five tips and implement them in your household when you can. The more you take precautions, the more calm and confident you’ll feel on your own two feet. 

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6 Ways To Avoid Sports Injuries 

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Sports injuries can be a major setback for athletes, especially when they are serious enough to require surgery or long-term rehabilitation. Fortunately, there are several steps athletes can take to reduce their risk of injury and keep themselves healthy and active. In this blog post, we’ll discuss six ways to avoid sports injuries while staying active. 

1. Warm Up and Cool Down Properly 

One of the most important steps athletes can take to avoid sports injuries is to warm up and cool down properly before and after engaging in exercise. This is because warming up helps prepare the body for physical activity by increasing blood flow, loosening muscles, and improving range of motion. Cooling down helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue by gradually decreasing intensity levels after exercise. 

2. Wear Appropriate Protective Gear 

Wearing protective gear such as helmets, pads, and mouth guards can help reduce the risk of injury while playing contact sports or engaging in other high-risk activities. It is also important for you to wear shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support for your feet during physical activity. 

3. Stay Hydrated 

Staying hydrated is essential for athletic performance and overall health. Making sure you’re hydrated helps keep the body cool, prevents dehydration, and aids in muscle recovery after exercise. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity. 

4. Get Enough Rest 

Getting enough rest is essential for athletes because it helps the body recover from physical activity and reduces fatigue levels during exercise. It’s recommended that athletes get at least 8 hours of sleep each night in order to stay healthy and perform at their best during physical activity. Without enough sleep, you run the risk of performing poorly due to low energy levels, resulting in your body being more prone to an injury than if you were to get a good amount of sleep. 

5. Listen To Your Body

Our body speaks to us in ways that, sometimes, we ignore. Listening to your body is one of the best ways to prevent sports injuries because it allows you to recognize when something isn’t right or when you need a break from engaging in physical activity. If you experience any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and seek medical attention (if necessary!) Putting too much stress on your body is one way to potentially get an injury because you weren’t properly prepared. 

6. Strengthen Muscles Regularly 

When you take the time to strengthen your muscles regularly, it can help prevent sports injuries. This is because when doing so, you’re increasing strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance levels. Incorporating exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and pull-ups into your routine can help strengthen your muscles over time and reduce your risk of injury while playing sports or engaging in other forms of physical activities. 

When you take these tips and ways to prevent injuries into consideration, you’re not only setting yourself up for success but minimizing the possibility of enduring an injury that takes you out for the season (which you definitely don’t want!) 

If you’re dealing with an injury right now and looking for a real, natural solution – then you’re in the right place! Here at Progressive Edge Physical Therapy in Union, NJ, we’ll help you reduce pain and return to your favorite sport properly! To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today! And in the meantime, take these precautionary steps to save yourself time, energy, and pain from a sports injury. 

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How To Improve & Maintain Good Muscle Health 

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Having healthy muscles is essential for overall health and well-being. Good, healthy muscles provide us with strength, mobility, and balance. When maintaining good muscle health, it eliminates the possibility of issues surrounding strength, mobility, and balance arising. Not only that, but muscles help us to perform everyday activities such as walking, lifting, and carrying heavy objects. 

When we’re taking care of our muscles, we’re taking care of ourselves. 

Unfortunately, many of us don’t take the time to properly care for our muscles. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can improve your muscle health and keep your body in top shape – a great way to prioritize your health and feel good. 

Exercise 

The first step to improving your muscle health is by getting enough exercise and moving your body. Regular physical activity helps to build and maintain muscle mass, as well as improve strength and flexibility. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, if possible. Start by focusing on cardio exercises like walking, running, and swimming. You can also try strength training exercises like weightlifting, pushups, and squats. Find ways to easily implement these exercises into your daily routine and you will see and feel the benefits of doing so. 

Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet is also important for maintaining healthy muscles. Make sure to include plenty of lean proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, nuts, and seeds in your diet as these are essential for building muscle mass. Additionally, complex carbs like whole grains provide energy for workouts while fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that are necessary for proper muscle function. And don’t forget about healthy fats from sources like avocados and olive oil which can help reduce inflammation in the body and promote muscle recovery (which is equally important!) after exercise. At the start of every week, plan ahead your meals and see if that helps make it more convenient for you to maintain a balanced diet! 

Rest 

Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest and take breaks from exercising when needed. Your body will tell you when it needs a break — all you have to do is listen! Also, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. During sleep, our bodies repair themselves from the wear and tear of our daily activities so it’s essential that we get enough rest each night (7-9 hours) so we can continue to perform at our very best. Without it, the next day you could feel drained, running on low energy, and not be able to stay productive or as active as you’d wish. Not only will getting enough sleep help you feel more energized during the day, but it will also give your muscles time to recover from workouts so they can be stronger when you wake up in the morning! 

Stretch 

Finally, stretching regularly can help improve your muscle health by focusing on increasing flexibility and range of motion in the joints. This can reduce pain and stiffness associated with tight muscles or poor posture. This also helps us move better during our workouts when we’ve taken the time to stretch properly before engaging in physical activity. Stretching before workouts is an essential part of the process, not only for muscle health but to make sure you don’t accidentally injure yourself mid-workout. Aim to stretch at least 3 times a week after a workout or before bedtime when your body is warmest for best results! 

In conclusion, when you work these four tips into your daily routine – exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and stretching regularly – your muscles will thank you for prioritizing your health. Maintaining good muscle health is not only good for working out but keeps YOU healthy. Taking the time to prioritize yourself and your body is ALWAYS a good idea. 

What To Expect During A Physical Therapy Session

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Physical therapy is an important part of the healing process for many individuals. It can help with pain management, injuries, and surgery recovery, as well as improve mobility and restore regular strength and function. 

But, if you’re new to physical therapy, you may be wondering — what exactly happens during a physical therapy session? What can I expect? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the various activities that physical therapists (like us) may perform during a session to give you a little insight into what to expect if you’re considering inquiring about more information and booking an appointment. 

Assessing The Patient

The first step in any physical therapy session is to assess the patient. This includes taking into consideration any factors that may have caused your current condition such as your detailed medical history and any recent injuries or illnesses you may have had. Then, your PT will perform a physical examination to identify any areas of concern that you may have not mentioned. This assessment helps your PT determine which treatments are most appropriate for your condition and is an essential part of the process. 

Developing a Treatment Plan Tailored To You

Once your initial assessment is complete, your PT will then develop an individualized treatment plan designed for you. This is because, like most PTs, we know that no two patients’ pain experiences are the same which is why it’s essential to individualize each treatment plan as such. Typically, your plan will include specific exercises and activities designed to improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Each exercise will have its own unique purpose in your healing process. 

Carrying Out Your Treatment

During each session, your PT will carry out treatment according to the individualized plan that they come up with for you. These treatments may include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, balance training, posture correction techniques, manual therapy techniques, and other modalities of treatment that your clinic may offer. Your PT will also provide education about how to manage your pain or prevent further injury. Your PT will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you’re performing each exercise properly so you don’t become injured or make the pain you’re already experiencing worse. 

Evaluating Your Progress

At each session, your PT will evaluate how well you are progressing with your treatment plan. They may ask questions about how you’re feeling after completing certain exercises or activities and if you’re noticing any positive or negative changes in the process. Depending on your answers, your PT might modify your treatment plan to better fit your needs to ensure that it’s most effective in helping you win back your life and reach your goals. 

Conclusion

Physical therapists play an essential role in helping patients recover from injury, pain, or illness by providing individualized care tailored to each person’s needs. With us here at Progressive Edge Physical Therapy you can expect to feel supported by your physical therapist and that you’re finally making the progress you need so you can get back to living an active lifestyle without limitations. 

If you’re interested in physical therapy after reading this post and are looking for a PT in your Union, NJ area, then be sure to contact us here at Progressive Edge Physical Therapy. We are the solution you’ve been tirelessly searching for when it comes to pain management and recovery. To learn more, be sure to click the link below to get more information TODAY! We look forward to hearing from you! 

5 Ways To Stay Active & Healthy

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When it comes to our busy lives and schedules, sometimes it’s hard to prioritize your health and fitness. We try our very best to work it into our day, but sometimes it’s hard to find the time for that Yoga class you’ve been always wanting to try or to commit to signing up for a gym membership when you don’t know if you’ll be able to use it often. That’s why we have to find ways to stay active and healthy and make it convenient for us. 

Staying active and healthy can be a challenge, but we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! In fact, following these five simple tips are a sure way to help you prioritize your health and fitness in your everyday life. 

  1. Eat a Nutritious and Balanced Diet

While you may have heard this tip a hundred times before — there’s a reason for that. This is because eating a variety of healthy foods will give your body the proper energy and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. A way to prioritize this is to meal plan for each week. That way, you know what you need to get and you take the stress of trying to plan out a meal every single night. This will cut time in preparation while simultaneously prioritizing your health and fitness. 

  1. Exercise Regularly

Your exercises don’t have to be anything fancy. It’s important to prioritize exercise however that may look for you and your busy schedule. Some people have time for intensive workouts, some just have a few minutes to lift some weights. It could be a few energizing stretches in the morning, a brisk walk around the block, or taking an exercise class weekly. Whatever it may be, make sure you are taking the time to incorporate some kind of physical activity into your daily routine. 

  1. Get Adequate Sleep 

This one is essential. Without good sleep, you can’t be as productive as you’d wish during the day, leaving you feeling sluggish, irritable, and tired. It’s important to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to be rested and prepared for the day ahead. 

  1. Practice Stress Management 

It’s important for us to try our very best to find ways to manage our stress. Stress can take a toll on your body, so it’s essential to take time to relax and unwind in whatever way you sit fit for you. Schedule time to relax. It might feel silly, but it’s a great way to ensure that you take the time needed to relax so you don’t burn yourself out. It’s important for your productivity to schedule in those breaks so you can perform your very best mentally and physically. Take your shot at activities such as meditation, yoga, going for walks, or journaling to help manage stress effectively. 

  1. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is immensely important when it comes to keeping your body healthy and performing at your very best. Without staying hydrated, you run the risk of dehydration which can have physically healthy effects and heavily impact your productivity. Grab a water bottle and carry it with you throughout the day to make it convenient for you. 

These five tips for prioritizing your health and staying active are great ways to make sure you’re taking proper care of yourself. You want to work toward being the best, healthiest version of yourself and these tips are a great place to start. 

If at any time while staying active you become injured or you’re dealing with any type of chronic pain, be sure to contact us here at Progressive Edge Physical Therapy. Here, we prioritize our patients and their health because we believe that you deserve to live life on your own terms — which is hard to do when dealing with constant pain or an injury. 

Don’t waste any of your time suffering and missing out when we have real solutions that can help you. Make sure to contact us TODAY and we’ll be happy to talk to you about how we can help you win your life back so you can continue to prioritize your health and stay active. 

Why You Shouldn’t Do Physical Therapy On Your Own 

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Physical therapy (PT) is a great way to reduce pain, recover from injury, and improve your physical health and quality of life. It can help with a variety of conditions, from chronic pain to post-operative rehabilitation. However, many people wonder if they can do physical therapy on their own. 

Some may think that this is more convenient and a better option than seeking out professional quality physical therapy — but this isn’t true. You should always seek out professional help and guidance when it comes to physical therapy. 

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why you should never do PT on your own and why seeking out the best physical therapist in your area is always the better option for you and your health. 

Why You Shouldn’t Do PT On Your Own

It’s important for you to take the best care of yourself when injured or experiencing chronic pain, and while you may think doing PT on yourself could be the solution for you, we’re here to tell you that it’s not worth the risk. The truth is — it’s never a good idea to do physical therapy on your own. Doing so can make your pain worse or result in a terrible injury (which you definitely don’t want!)

Before looking for a physical therapist, it’s common for most people to feel as though they have tried everything to relieve their pain or heal their injury — but no matter what they try, nothing seems to be working. After trying remedy after remedy, you’re left feeling defeated and start to wonder if this pain is something you’re just going to have to learn how to deal with on a daily basis. This is usually when most people discover that physical therapy is the solution they’ve been looking for to reduce pain and win back their life. 

When seeking physical therapy, usually you’re looking for help in rehabilitation from an injury or could be experiencing chronic pain of some sort — back pain, neck pain, ankle pain, etc. Without the guidance of a professional physical therapist that has been certified and trained properly, you may not be doing the exercises correctly or even may be doing too much too soon. It’s essential that you do PT exercises correctly, or you run the risk of becoming injured. Having a professional physical therapist alongside you is key because they will make sure you’re performing the exercises correctly and will actively prevent you from becoming injured or making your chronic pain worse. 

We know it can seem appealing to try PT on your own. It’s convenient, you don’t have to leave your house, and you can do it on your own time. You feel as though you have the world at your fingertips through the internet, so you do your research, looking up exercises that help with the pain that you’re experiencing. But, we’re here to tell you that even as confident as you may seem in performing PT on your own without professional training — all it takes is one thing to go wrong to make your pain ten times worse than it was before. That’s all it takes – one wrong move can send you into agonizing pain and it’s just not worth it. 

Conclusion

As convenient as trying to do it on your own may seem, it’s just not worth the risk of injuring yourself. 

It’s important that you do what’s best for you and your body and seeking out the best physical therapist in your area is the best thing you can do for yourself. In the long run, you want to prevent anything from making your condition worse and the truth is, self-directed physical therapy is not the way to do so. 

We understand that it can be challenging to try and find a physical therapist on your own. That’s why we suggest doing your research, reading patient reviews, and contacting potential PTs with questions ready. 

Once you’ve talked to a PT, you’ll be able to tell from the first conversation if they’re able to help you with your specific condition or not. Then, once you find a PT that you feel comfortable with, you book an appointment and can take comfort in the fact that you have a certified, trained professional guiding you through. 

Don’t risk your health and well-being over something that a trained professional can help you fix. The right physical therapist will guide you through. Then, you can confidently return to living life on your own terms.

If you’re looking for a physical therapist in the Union, NJ be sure to contact us today for more information. We would love to talk to you about your condition and how we can help you finally feel better again. 

How Do I Find The Right Physical Therapist? 

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How Do I Find The Right Physical Therapist? 

Finding the right physical therapist can be a challenge. With so many different options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice for you. You know that you want a provider that specializes in the issue that you’re currently dealing with and you want to feel confident in the decision you make so you know you’re not wasting your time or your money. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks to help you find the right physical therapist for your needs so you can find the relief you’re looking for and get back to living life on your own terms. 

Do Your Research 

The first step in finding the right physical therapist is to do your research. The best way to start is by looking up physical therapists in your area and reading reviews from past patients. Doing so will give you a firsthand look at past or current patients’ take on their experience and interactions with the physical therapy clinic and the staff. This will give you a better idea of the quality of care they provide and what you can expect from them. Additionally, you can ask your primary care physician for some recommendations or check with your insurance provider to see which physical therapists are covered by your plan if you’re unsure of where to start. Then, with the recommendations, you can do your research and decide which ones you’d like to contact for more information. 

Ask Questions

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential physical therapists, it’s time to start asking questions. You want to make sure that your PT understands the problem you’re dealing with and knows how to get to the root problem so you can get back to enjoying your life without pain or limitations. Make sure to ask about their experience and qualifications, as well as any specialties they may have. Additionally, ask about their treatment methods and whether they offer any additional services, like massage therapy or acupuncture.  A physical therapist may offer a service you’ve never even heard of that could help you in ways you couldn’t imagine. It’s also important to inquire about their rates and payment options before making any commitments. Sometimes, it’s possible that a PT could have a free consultation available — so be sure to ask! 

Schedule An Appointment 

Once you’ve found a few physical therapists that you’re interested in, it’s time to schedule an appointment. This will give you the opportunity to meet the physical therapist in person and get a better sense of their personality and approach to treatment. During the appointment, be sure to ask any additional questions you may have thought of and clearly outline your goals for physical therapy. Not only will this help you, but it will help them in knowing how to correctly treat you and get to know you better. You’ll be able to tell during your first meeting or consultation if said physical therapist is a good fit for you or not. If you like the PT after the first visit, talk to them about setting up appointments for the future! 

Follow-Up

After your initial appointment, it’s important for you to follow up with the physical therapist to ensure that you’re getting the care you need to finally feel good again. It’s always a good idea to be knowledgeable about how they’re treating you so you can continue to stay in tune with your mind and body. Make sure to keep track of your progress and ask questions if you have any concerns as they arise. Additionally, if you’re not satisfied with the care you’re receiving and feel as though you’re not making the necessary progress, don’t be afraid to look for another physical therapist. 

Finding the right physical therapist can be a challenge, but with the right research and questions, you can easily find the perfect fit for your needs. Do your research, ask questions, schedule an appointment, and follow up to ensure that you’re getting the best care possible. And if you want to learn more about how Progressive Edge Physical Therapy can help you, be sure to contact us today for more information. We’d love to discuss options with you! 

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