Staying Motivated After Your PT Sessions Have Ended

So you’ve completed our customized physical therapy program at The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center and are ready to incorporate the progress you’ve made toward recovery into your daily activities. Our entire staff congratulates you on your accomplishments and wishes you all the best as you take the next steps forward.

We know the challenges that come with staying motivated once you’re done with our in-person sessions, so we’d like to offer some helpful tips from the American Physical Therapy Association.

• Set SMART goals for your progress, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Examples of this can be increasing your walking or running distance, or the amount of weight you lift in training sessions during a fixed period of time.
• Schedule your workouts and stick to the plan as much as possible. Making progress is all about consistency.
• Listen to your body. If you're feeling sore or fatigued after a workout, don't push yourself too hard the next session. It’s important to take rest days when needed.
• Don't go solo. Finding a workout partner or a group of like-minded people through a health club or online fitness community provides support and encouragement, while also adding a social element to your workouts.
• Exercise should not feel like drudgery. Finding activities you enjoy and exploring new fitness classes will keep things fresh.
• Hitting a plateau or experiencing setbacks are completely normal, so please don't hesitate to reach out to our physical therapist for guidance to keep you pointed in the right direction. 

At The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center we’re confident that these tips from the APTA will help you stay motivated and continue your journey toward a healthier, stronger future. We strongly believe that physical therapy is just the beginning of your journey toward lifelong wellness. Stay dedicated, maintain a positive attitude, and remember that you can count on us to be there when you need our help and encouragement!