How Can @Home Physical Therapy Benefit You?
I have worked in home care as a physical therapist for 26 years. Over those years I have helped many patients improve their level of function in order to be able to stay in their own homes and achieve the fitness they need to meet their goals. One of the first steps we take is setting goals.
Setting Goals
What do you want to be able to do?
- Get up from a low couch?
- Have enough energy to walk around Meijer Gardens with your out-of-town company?
- Safely reach down and pick up your grandchild?
Once you know what you want to do, consider how you can accomplish those goals? Accomplishing your goals may require you to get moving, get stronger, improve balance and/or become more flexible.
Here are 4 ways to accomplish your goals:
- Get Moving | The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of activity (such as walking, biking or swimming) per week. That’s 22 minutes a day. Even if you can’t do that much, you can benefit from starting with just a few minutes several times a day. This will build your endurance.
- Get Stronger | Strong muscles are needed to pick up groceries or stand up from low surfaces. That means exercises to build strength are essential. Something like standing up from a chair using your hands and gradually progressing to not using your hands can build leg strength for improved function.
- Improve Balance | Fall prevention is a major concern as we get older. Working on balance needs to be done carefully and should be done several times a week. Exercises like rocking from your heels to toes, or standing on one leg while you brush your teeth can help improve balance.
- Be More Flexible | Flexibility is needed to make daily movements like reaching into a cupboard or standing tall easier. Some of the most common areas of tightness are the back of the thighs and front of the chest. Standing with your back against a wall and bringing your shoulders back can stretch muscles to improve your posture.
How Can Hulst Jepsen @Home Help?
We offer 15-minute screens in our clinics to get you started. If you are not mobile enough to get to a clinic (such as immediately after surgery), we offer in home “outpatient” therapy until you improve enough to continue therapy in clinic. We also have a private pay option for long-term ongoing therapy in your home.
It is important to use proper form while exercising. Proper technique prevents injuries and makes sure you are getting the most benefit from the activity. During your Hulst Jepsen @Home therapy sessions, we will customize your therapy plan to meet your specific goals, focusing on proper technique to safely progress your mobility while improving your strength, balance and flexibility. Contact us at 616-265-2414 for more information on how Hulst Jepsen @Home can help you!
