Physical therapy, commonly known as physiotherapy, is a healthcare profession that aims to rehabilitate the function and movement of the body after an illness or an injury.
If you are currently undergoing physical therapy and wondering if the treatments provided by your physiotherapist are working, then this is a must-read article for you. Read on as we explore several ways to tell if the physiotherapy treatments are having the desired effect. Here are 5 ways you can tell if the treatments provided by your physio are working:
- Monitor Your Pain Levels:
One way to tell if your physical therapy plan is working or not is by closely monitoring your pain levels. If you are experiencing less pain or discomfort after a few sessions, it is likely that the therapy is helping to alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, if your pain levels decrease over time, it is also a good indication that the therapy is working.
- Monitor Your Strength:
Another way to tell if your treatments are going as planned is by monitoring your strength. If you notice that you are able to perform exercises with more ease and for longer periods of time, it is likely that your therapy is helping. Try to keep a count of the number of repetitions you began therapy with and notice if there has been a gradual increase in the number of repetitions you are able to endure.
- Monitor Your Range Of Motion:
You can also track your progress by monitoring your range of motion. Range of motion involves flexibility and mobility. You can either mark visible targets to keep aiming for in order to gauge an increase in flexibility or track distances through a phone or related gadget to measure distances covered in each session. If your range of motion improves over time, it is a good indication that the therapy is working.
- Monitor Your Overall Function & Ability To Perform Daily Activities:
It is also possible to track your progress by monitoring your overall function and ability to perform daily activities. The most effective way to achieve and keep an objective approach for this type of tracking is to journal your progress since the day first of the treatment. Be sure to mention, what you achieved, where you fell short in strength, and what you hope to achieve as you go along in journaling your sessions.
- Track Your Progress Through Apps Or Journaling:
One of the most effective methods to have a clear sight of whether you are progressing in your physiotherapy treatment is by logging each session through apps or journals. You can review these inputs after some time to see where you stand now. Some apps track your progress by showing you a graphical representation giving you a clear picture of your progress. Remember that physical therapy is a process and it takes time to see results.
It is natural to have doubts, at some point, whether you are making actual progress or feel like you are stuck on the same levels longer than needed. It is recommended to share your concerns with your professional physiotherapist to address them.
If you need assistance in addressing your concern to see if the current plan is working for you or need a better-suited plan to address your concern, feel free to get in touch with Brampton physiotherapists to get the results you need.