Your physical therapist can help you keep your resolution

As we enter the new year, many people start setting goals and making resolutions. It’s common for these goals to revolve around improving physical fitness, such as losing weight or getting in better shape. However, it’s important to approach such changes with caution and care.

Increasing physical activity is beneficial for your overall health, energy levels, sleep quality and mood. But rushing into a rigorous exercise routine after a holiday season of indulgence can lead to pain, injury and disappointment if your body isn’t prepared for it. That’s where a qualified physical therapist comes in.

While most people think of physical therapists as the professionals you turn to after an injury occurs, seeing one before making changes to your activity level can actually prevent injuries from happening in the first place.

How can a physical therapist help me?

A thorough evaluation by your physical therapist will assess your strength, range of motion and functional movement patterns – activities like jumping, running, squatting and carrying. Some physical therapists may use standardized assessments like the functional movement screening.

The majority of injuries experienced when you begin a new fitness routine are caused by underlying weaknesses, limited range of motion or compensatory movements your body makes to accommodate a weak area.

Your physical therapist will be able to identify these issues during the evaluation process. From there, they can prescribe exercises or movements that target these specific areas of concern and safely guide you through the transition into the new year.

By working with a physical therapist before increasing your activity level, you can reduce the risk of injury and ensure moving forward with confidence toward your fitness goals.

Prevent overdoing it

The other common way people get injured while working toward their resolution is overtraining or doing too much too soon. Physical therapists are also experts in exercise prescription and program design.

Your physical therapist can help you create a routine specific to your needs and goals that will progress appropriately and keep you out of trouble.

So, stop only thinking of your physical therapist after you’re injured.

In this case, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure. Seeing your physical therapist before you start on your resolution can keep you on track and injury-free, and help you reach your goals for the new year.