To recover from an injury or ailment, developing a routine is important. For almost all physical therapy patients, an essential component of this recovery routine is completing your recommended home exercise program or HEP. I know when you are coming to see us here at Sure Cure two or even three times a week it can be confusing why we are asking you to do even more at home. This article is going to discuss why your home exercise program is important, and how you can be proactive in your own recovery.
What is a Home Exercise Program?
A home exercise program is a series of exercises that patients complete at home to maintain strength and increase therapeutic gains. Home exercises are designed to be practical, accessible and feasible so that patients can maximize efforts without instruction.
Designed to continue a patient’s recovery progress outside of the physical therapy office, a home exercise program encourages patients to participate in specific exercises. Patients can increase their chances for recovery by regularly performing these exercises and strengthening musculature.
A Personalized Approach
All Home Exercise programs here at Sure Cure are completely personalized, every single activity or stretch was selected by your provider just for you. Even for people who have the same injury, the home exercise program should be specific to each patient. This is because the condition of each person’s body is different, and is influenced by their individual history. For example, two people with the same ACL injury may not have the same HEP because of the leg issues that one suffers from. Individual history like this will dictate the type of exercises– whether they are stretches, strength training or endurance training— and the order.
Achieve a Lasting Recovery
When coming to Physical Therapy at Sure Cure your and our primary goals should be to enjoy a lasting recovery. With a HEP, this is possible.
Because a home exercise program guarantees more regular exercises, the body is healing more naturally, building strength, and confidence. So, it will be stressing less once you regain your ability to move the rest of your body. This will also prevent your injury from recurring.
Why Should I Exercise With an Injury?
Patients that follow through with these exercises are more likely to recover faster. Though it may bring on some discomfort, physical therapists will detect when patients do these exercises. They will also be able to complete exercises in therapy with greater confidence. Beyond treatment, these exercises may be helpful in preventing future injuries.