Spring has sprung, and along with it, probably some of those muscles that haven’t been used over the long winter. That’s why April has been designated National Occupational Therapy Month. Occupational Therapy, often referred to Physical Therapy (and abbreviated to OT/PT), is a form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life.

It’s no secret that our bodies change as we age. Loss of mobility, balance, and/or strength are usually the first physical signs that we’re not as spry as we used to be. We also experience more aches and pains, and are prone to falls. In these situations, most people often turn to over-the-counter remedies for a quick fix. But instead of using drugs to mask pain, studies show that physical therapy can do wonders to improve our quality of life. Whether you’re recovering from a surgery or need it to maintain wellness while living with a medical condition, physical therapy is a vitally important part of the recovery process.

Because no two patients are alike, physical therapy treatments can vary based upon patient needs. For example, stroke patients need to focus on recovering their speech as well as their mobility. Directed exercises that require using different parts of the brain can aid in speech rehab along with the physical benefits. Patients living with Parkinson’s Disease, which severely impacts the nervous system, have shown marked improvements after treatments designed to improve flexibility. Some therapies even incorporate animals: horseback riding has been shown to help with balance and strength in some cases. The idea is to make the experience enjoyable as well as therapeutic; pain-free physical therapy without the assistance of drugs is the ideal.

Let’s say you’ve experienced a fall and are recovering from a surgery. Your physician has recommended physical therapy as the main part of your treatment. Erase all mental images of torture chambers: today’s physical therapy ranges from low-impact activities such as swimming, yoga, and light weight-bearing exercises to electrical stimulation. Most therapies still require the use of equipment, but therapists are now utilizing state-of-the-art machines specifically designed to aid in physical rehabilitation. Working with a physical therapist has also been shown to improve mental attitude and overall wellness in patients. Therapists are there to motivate and encourage, as well as help you heal physically. Family support is also essential during a patient’s recovery. No one wants to feel like a burden, just as no one wants to feel like they’re obligated to take on more than they can handle. It can be a disruptive experience for a family, but having a supportive network in place helps patients stay motivated to get better and return to the quality of life they once enjoyed. The “You can do it!” mentality is the basis for all physical therapy, and with everyone on board, the patient isn’t the only one who ends up benefiting.

Once you’ve completed your course of OT/PT, it’s vital to keep yourself in the best possible shape so you don’t have a recurrence of your injury or issue. While we’re not advocating vigorous training for the next Iron Man competition, we do encourage you to move your body every day. One of our favorite ways to do this is with yoga, as we mentioned above. An ancient practice dating back centuries, yoga has been proven to reduce stress, increase flexibility, and provide the body with an overall sense of wellness. It’s also the most natural form of physical therapy. Even the lightest stretch can help to change the way you feel. Concentrated breathing combined with the poses helps to calm the mind as well as enrich your physicality.

But the benefits of yoga aren’t limited to your muscles, which is yet another reason we recommend it as a follow up to your course of treatment. Yoga has been proven to help:

• Lower the risk of cardiovascular disease
• Aid in the recovery process from strokes and surgeries
• Prevent falls
• Manage arthritis, pain and inflammation
• Manage diabetes
• Manage digestive issues like IBS
• Improve sleep quality
• Facilitate the grieving process
• Manage depression and anxiety

If you’ve never done so much as a Downward Dog, yoga can seem intimidating at first. But once you begin a regular practice, you’ll start to feel stronger and healthier in no time. Beginner poses such as Cat/Cow, Bridge, Mountain, Tree, and Warrior are easy to hold, and will get even easier with time.

We encourage everyone to see a doctor or nurse practitioner before beginning any exercise program. Be sure to consult with yours and then seek the right yoga class for your level. You will find any yoga class to be a warm and welcoming environment for novices of any age, so don’t let a lack of experience hold you back from the wonderfully healing benefits of yoga.

At Greystone Health, your overall well being is our top priority. Our highly trained staff is dedicated to making your healthcare experience as pleasant as possible. You can learn more about our facilities and programs at www.greystonehealth.com or by calling us at 813.635.9500.