If you’re hurting and need quick relief, your physical therapist can help. In a customized physical therapy program, you’ll learn some highly effective pain relief techniques that can also help boost your energy. Our physical therapy providers are experienced with all types of pain, and can help you live a pain-free life at last. Get in touch now to schedule your physical therapy appointment.
1. Take Breathing Breaks
Sure, you breathe all the time, but it’s not focused breathing. As your physical therapist can tell you, focused breathing can really help relieve your pain and may even give you that little extra energy burst you need to keep going with your day. Every few hours, take a few minutes to stop, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Breathe in deeply through your nose, filling your lungs as completely as possible. Then, breathe out through your mouth, keeping lips pursed a bit to really push the air out. Focus on nothing but your breathing for a few minutes and you’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make.
2. Get Moving
Many people underestimate the importance of moving, but it’s something you’ll learn in physical therapy. When you’re hurting it may seem more instinctive to curl up in a ball, but that’s the worst thing to do. Force yourself to get up and move around every hour or so. Even if you just take a simple walk around the room or around your office, this can help you hurt less and feel more energized. You don’t have to do a full physical therapy session to feel the benefits of movement, so practice this every day at home as well as with the help of your physical therapist.
3. Adjust Your Sitting Habits
Your sitting habits can make a big difference when it comes to pain and energy levels. Your physical therapist may recommend some simple adjustments that help. For example, a lumbar cushion can help relieve pressure from your lower back. Simply by avoiding pain, you’ll feel less sapped of energy! Your physical therapy team can offer customized tips based on your work environment.
4. Improve Your Posture
Posture improvement can make a huge difference in how you feel overall. Your physical therapy program can help you improve your posture, and it’s something that you’ll carry with you long term. Simply standing and sitting with shoulders back, chest out, and a straight spine instead of a slumped-over one is a great start. Your physical therapist can guide you towards posture habits that alleviate pain and pressure, which in turn gives you more energy to face the day.
5. Drink More Water
Did you know that you’re supposed to drink between half an ounce and one ounce of water for each pound of your body weight each day? Drinking enough water means that you’ll avoid dehydration, and this in turn allows you to avoid problems like muscle cramps, headaches, and overall fatigue. Water is always the healthiest option, so try to keep plenty of water close at hand as you move throughout your day. You’ll notice that you feel less pain and increased energy. The bonus is that it can help keep your appetite under control, which may in turn help you avoid gaining extra weight!
Physical therapy is a great way to recovery from injury or illness to feel your very best. Use the tips above to supplement your custom physical therapy program for optimal success. Contact one of our two NH offices today to get help from experienced physical therapists who can help you escape pain for good.
