Maintaining Momentum After Rehab

The road to recovery doesn’t end when you leave rehab. After your discharge from post-acute care and completion of any prescribed outpatient therapy, you will have to continue your physical therapist’s recommended exercise routine to maintain your strength, mobility, and flexibility. While staying motivated on your own can be difficult, these practical tips will help you stay in shape and continue your progress so you quickly heal and get back to wellness.

Set Realistic Goals

One of the first steps is to set clear, achievable goals for your recovery. Your physical therapist can help you determine if the goals you hope to achieve are manageable and then create a realistic plan to reach them. Setting measurable goals will help you stay focused and motivated as you continue your physical therapy at home.

Stick to a Routine

Consistency is crucial in recovery. Choose a specific time each day to do your at-home exercises, whether it's first thing in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. Scheduling your exercises will help make physical therapy a regular part of your life, just like any other habit.

Use Reminders

Life can get hectic, and it’s easy to forget or overlook your responsibilities when you have a busy schedule. Using visual cues may help you stay on track, such as keeping your exercise sheet in a prominent spot, like on the refrigerator. You could also set an alarm or reminder on your phone to prompt you when it’s time for your at-home physical therapy session.

Track Your Progress

Once you start noticing how far you’ve come, you’ll be inspired to stick with your physical therapy. Use an app or a notebook to track each exercise you complete and note any improvements, such as an increased range of motion, a decrease in pain, or a boost in strength. Noting your accomplishments will not only encourage you to continue but also help you identify things you may need to adjust or discuss with your physical therapist.

Ask for Support

Staying motivated can be challenging without your therapist guiding you each day. Consider asking a loved one to support you by reminding you to stick with your exercises, offering encouragement, or assisting you physically with approval from your physical therapist. Having someone join you on your recovery journey may help you feel less isolated and keep you focused.

Stay Active

Aside from your at-home prescribed exercises, stay active doing things you enjoy to help you stay fit and boost your energy, such as walking, yoga, or swimming. Just be sure to consult your therapist before starting any new activities to ensure they’re appropriate for your condition and won’t hinder your healing.

Physical Therapy at Christian Health

If you need inpatient or outpatient physical therapy services following an injury, surgery, or an illness,we would love to help you achieve your goals. Our highly skilled interdisciplinary team of professionals uses innovative approaches and state-of-the-art equipment to guide your recovery and get you back to the life you love. For more information about physical therapy at Christian Health, please visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/Rehabilitation.