There are many things you can do each day for improved health!
Have you ever wished you had more energy? Do you experience nagging chronic pain on a daily basis but aren’t sure how to get rid of it? We’ve got just the trick for you: physical therapy!
A physical therapist can assist you if you are living with acute or chronic pain and are looking for long-term relief. You will learn extremely effective strategies to manage your pain and enhance your overall energy levels with a personalized physical therapy treatment plan!
Our physical therapists have the ability to help you enjoy a pain-free life for the first time. To learn more about our services and to make your initial appointment, call our Empower Physical Therapy office today!
Boost your energy levels and relieve your pain with these tips!
We’ve put together a list of five useful techniques to help you get more energy and treat acute or chronic pain!
1. Take Time To Breathe
You’re breathing all the time; however, are you practicing focused breathing?
Focused breathing is a meditation that you can do anywhere, anytime. It can help you to focus on your breath and calm down. It is also a type of meditation that can help you sleep better.
The idea behind focused breathing is to breathe in deeply and then exhale slowly, focusing on the sound of the breath coming in and out of your body.
Your physical therapist will show you how practicing focused breathing techniques can help relieve your pain and boost your energy during the day.
Take a few minutes to yourself every few hours to pause, close your eyes, and breathe. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Make sure your lungs are full before breathing out through your mouth. Allow a small amount of air to escape your lips while keeping them lightly pursed, and concentrate solely on your breathing for a few minutes.
You’ll be astounded at the difference it can make!
2. Get up and get moving!
Most of us undervalue the importance of moving around frequently throughout the day. This is something that physical therapy will make abundantly evident!
When you’re in agony, it’s natural to want to curl up on your side in the fetal position, but that’s the worst thing you can do. It’s best to force yourself to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour, even if it’s simply around the room. This can greatly reduce your discomfort and provide you with an extra surge of energy.
3. Change the way you sit.
Your posture can have a significant impact on your pain and energy levels. To ease pain, your physical therapist may suggest that you adjust the way you sit. A lumbar cushion placed behind your back helps reduce strain in your lower back.
You’ll have more energy at the end of the day if you avoid suffering from simple things like sitting! Your physical therapist will be able to provide you with a customized treatment plan that includes recommendations and exercises to help you change your sitting patterns at home and at work.
It’s also important to make sure you’re not sitting for prolonged periods without breaks. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. They include obesity and a cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels — that make up metabolic syndrome.”
4. Maintain good posture.
Making modifications to your posture can have a significant impact on your overall health.
A physical therapy program can assist you in improving your posture, and it is something that you can do over time. An excellent place to start is sitting and standing with your shoulders back, chest out, and spine straight.
Avoid slumping over a book, a desk, or your computer at work! Your physical therapist can help you develop good posture habits to help you feel better and decrease pain and pressure.
5. Stay hydrated!
Every day, we should drink around an ounce of water for every pound we weigh! That may appear to be a lot, but it usually amounts to roughly 7-8 glasses. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, headaches, weariness, and constipation. Drinking adequate water will help you avoid these problems.
Water is always the healthiest drink option, so make sure you keep a full bottle or thermos near you at all times during the day. You will notice that the more water you drink, the less pain you feel and the more energy you have. A bonus can help you keep your appetite under control, so you’re less likely to gain unnecessary weight.
Request an appointment today!
Physical therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and healthy way to recover from an injury or illness and feel your best again. To achieve the best results, augment your custom physical therapy program with the suggestions above. We’re here to help you learn more about how good food and exercise can help you regain your energy and ease discomfort. To make an appointment with a professional physical therapist, give us a call today!
