Physical therapy is a challenge for anyone who undertakes it. Whether they are recovering from an injury, surgery, or just trying to deal with chronic aches and pains, there is no easy road when it comes to this form of treatment. Likely, your body will be put to the test in uncomfortable or even painful ways that can be demotivating.
Staying motivated is a challenge, especially as time goes on. This is even more difficult if your injuries leave you too tired or make it more difficult for you to move. So in this article, we are going to talk about the ways you can motivate yourself in physical therapy, especially when things are starting to get more difficult and painful.
Here are some of these tips and tricks:
Return to why you need it
Take a good hard look at yourself, and ask yourself why you need physical therapy. Are you hoping to play sports again? Or just hoping to be able to walk without limping? Are you hoping some chronic pain will go away?
Find your core reason for being in physical therapy, and verbally remind yourself of it. It might even be something you chant as the therapist pushes you into a particularly painful exercise. If you keep reminding yourself of the why, the how will become much easier to go through.
Track and acknowledge your progress
Physical therapy is a long process. Without measuring your progress, you might not feel like you have any. Make sure to talk to your physical therapist about the progress you’ve made, and to measure it against your past circumstances. Not only can this give you a sense of satisfaction, but it can also build trust and confidence between you and your therapist.
Play some sick tunes
Sometimes, all it takes is some mood music to drown out the thoughts in your head that are telling you to give up. After all, who wouldn’t be inspired by a playlist including songs like “Eye of the Tiger?” and other inspiring tracks? It doesn’t hurt to try anything to keep your motivation levels high, especially if the physical therapy is meant to aid in your recovery.
Find a buddy
One of the best ways to stay motivated in your physical therapy journey is to find a friend who’s going through the same thing. It doesn’t have to be the same injury, but perhaps there is someone in the clinic who can hold you accountable (that isn’t your therapist). Not only could you find a new friend, you could also find a confidante to share your woes with.
Find the right physical therapist
Your physical therapist shouldn’t be too intimidating that you become afraid to go to therapy, but nevertheless should be authoritative and positive enough that you want to continue. If you feel that your current therapist isn’t the right fit for you, you’re probably right. Find someone who makes you feel comfortable about where you’re starting, and who will inspire you to get to your goals.
In conclusion
Your injuries or chronic aches and pains can all go away, if you put in the hard work it takes to get through physical therapy. Hard work requires motivation and dedication. These strategies are only some of the things you can do to keep yourself motivated, but they are among the most effective.
And if you’re looking for a Brisbane-based physiotherapy clinic to help you with your movement problems, send us at Anytime Physio a message. We have years of expertise and a great staff of talented therapists committed to your rehabilitation.
