Expert Tips for Quick Recovery From Injuries Shared by Leading Harlem Physical Therapy Practitioner
Experiencing full recovery from an injury can take time, and the process can feel arduous. Park North Physical Therapy — a reputable PT practice in Harlem, NY — understands the struggle many patients go through to find relief and regain their strength, but they've also found that many patients don't know the essential processes involved in healing quickly and preventing re-injury.
Park North Physical Therapy shares essential tips to recover from injuries faster.
Understand the Injury
The first step in recovering from an injury is thoroughly understanding the injury — both what it is and why it happened.
Physical Therapy Center in Harlem advises patients to seek an in-depth diagnosis from a medical professional rather than relying on self-diagnoses or medical websites. They should also take the time to understand all the steps leading up to the physical trauma.
Many patients assume that an injury happened because of an accident. While the accident likely played a role, many other factors could have been at play. Diet, lifestyle, physical health, average sleep quality, and frequency of exercise can all impact the likelihood of experiencing Park North Physical Therapy injuries, and these factors could have been the catalyst for the injury.
Good physical therapists spend ample time learning these details during a patient's first appointment, gaining a full understanding of their health background to shape PT services.
Learn What the Injury Needs
Injuries typically need both rest and exercise to fully heal, but the exact combination of these remedies depends on the severity of the injury and other factors. After learning what injury they're suffering from and why it occurred, patients should learn what exactly their type of injury needs to heal.
One of the initial stages of physical therapy in Harlem is developing a treatment plan, where the practitioner breaks down the steps in the healing process and gives the patient practical advice to promote healing. Physical therapists generally recommend a combination of RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevations) and physical activity to keep the injured body part active. However, the exact treatment plan varies significantly from patient to patient.
Participate in Cardiovascular Exercise While Healing
Many patients think that exercising would only worsen their injuries. In reality, keeping cardiovascular fitness as a priority can aid the recovery process. Exercising can help keep the muscles in the injured area strong while improving mobility.
However, not all forms of exercise are suitable to help patients recover from injuries. Physical therapists may recommend any of the following types of exercise as part of a rehabilitation program, depending on the injury:
- Swimming
- Running
- Cycling
- Running on the elliptical
Some forms of exercise may need to be adapted; for example, patients may do better using an exercise bike with no incline compared to a real bike with hills.
Maintain Other Aspects of Health
Injury healing is a whole-body process. Patients who are generally healthy in other areas often heal faster than those who don't maintain a healthy lifestyle.
While recovering from injuries, patients should focus on promoting all aspects of health, including:
- Sleep: Stick to a healthy sleep schedule and get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
- Diet: Eat a balanced diet and avoid excess sugars and fats.
- Exercise: Stay active as much as possible without harming your injury.
- Social life: Spend time with friends and family members.
- Avoiding vices: Avoid smoking or vaping and limit your alcohol intake.
- Mental health: Participate in activities you enjoy when safe to do so and meet with a mental health professional when necessary.
Work With a Physical Therapist Throughout the Healing Process
Physical therapy is vital to recovering from injuries quickly and safely. Physical therapists provide tailored treatment plans that take into account patients' unique medical histories and types of injuries. They assist with exercise and strength training, pain management, and mobility improvement, aiding the overall healing process.
Park North Physical Therapy is a trusted PT practice with locations in Harlem and Morningside Heights, NY, offering a wide range of physical therapy services to improve injury recovery. Specialized treatment options that help patients recover from injuries include NEUBIE therapy, Kinotek services, pilates for rehab, low-level laser therapy (LLT), and more.
For more information or to book physical therapy services, contact Park North Physical Therapy. The Harlem office can be reached at info@parknorthpt.com or 212-222-6525.
