.png){kind=icon}
A common question among new patients is always what they can and can’t do after their appointment, but it would benefit every patient to know how to make the most of their treatment. While the pre and post care isn’t as strict as you might think, there are still a few hard and fast rules to making your treatment as effective as possible.
Shorts and a baggy shirt or tank are preferable but if that doesn’t work, just be sure to wear something comfortable with good mobility so the practitioner can adjust your body and not your clothing.
Hydrating lots before your appointment will prevent cramping and other negative effects. Dehydrated muscle tissue is also more difficult to stimulate so it benefits you and your practitioner to drink water.
This probably speaks for itself.
Contrary to the common misconception, you’re totally fine to workout before your appointment.
This ensures the practitioner knows all your relevant medical history and concerns.
The majority of treatment time ends up being assessing and trying to increase muscle awareness. Listening to the practitioner closely during the treatment will help you to understand how movements are supposed to feel when done properly. The muscles you engage during treatment are going to be the same ones you need to engage during rehab exercises. That's why it’s important to understand the feeling of activation, as it’s how you should feel during rehab.
It’ll make it a lot easier for you and the practitioner.
This is your appointment and this is your body. It’s important to understand how both work. Asking lots of questions ensures that you’re able to replicate proper rehab movements at home or in the gym and can help your overall recovery. Don’t be afraid if you don’t understand a particular movement or anatomical term, and don’t feel like you should know something you don’t. A good therapist is here to help you in any way they can.
Seriously. Cramping is real and your tissue just underwent some serious work.
You can definitely workout after your treatment but don't go for your maxes, just go through the motions for form.
Trying to replicate your rehab exercises before you go to bed later in the day is really important. Not only just to remember them but to keep things firing. The more that you can create stimulus to the tissue, the more you end up creating change.
The practitioner, patient relationship is one that should involve active feedback. Pay attention to what feels good or what hurts, and what seems to be improving things or doesn’t. Rehab is an artform and it’s not a one size fits all. You need to be able to inform your practitioner so they can make changes to best serve your needs.
A good practitioner wants to help your body be in its peak physical condition, but it’s a two-way street. Ensuring that you’re doing everything you can to optimize your appointment can be the difference between a smooth recovery process or a long, bumpy road. If you have any further questions on how you can make the most of your recovery process, the Dynamic Team is here to help.
