Your Dog Didn’t Eat This Homework YES, YOUR HOME EXERCISE PLAN MATTERS!
Few of us enjoyed homework as children, and we assume we’ve left it behind once we finish school. So, it’s perhaps no surprise that the “homework” physical therapists assign to their patients will often go uncompleted. Research shows that only approximately 35% of patients comply with their home exercise plan (HEP). Patients have many reasons for letting their HEP fall by the wayside. Many feel they don’t have enough time to work their exercises into their schedule. Others struggle to feel motivated to move when they’re in pain. Some simply hate exercise. Finally, many patients don’t feel their homework is necessary and believe their in-person physical therapy appointments should be enough for them to heal. We get it — life is busy, and pushing yourself usually isn’t fun. But while the reasons people choose not to follow their HEP are understandable, patients who opt out of their homework do so to their own detriment. Complying with your HEP produces faster results and a fuller recovery. Your physical therapist designs your HEP to suit your specific needs. The at-home exercises they assign are for your benefit and will reduce pain, swelling, or inflammation, improve your balance or mobility, or work to prevent further injury. By avoiding these exercises, you’re missing out on a crucial part of the healing process.
Many people think, “But that’s why I go to my appointments.” Of course, the work we do with our patients in the office is critical. These longer sessions allow our physical therapists to ensure you’re performing your exercises correctly, monitor your progress, and provide services you can’t get at home. But a PT’s work alone is insufficient. Participating in physical therapy 2–3 times a week — without work
at home — will not allow your body to build the muscle memory that’s crucial for you to improve over time.
And your at-home work doesn’t necessarily end when your physical therapy appointments do. Many patients will continue a HEP after healing to maintain the strength needed to avoid re-injury. By performing these exercises, you can
save yourself future pain, time, and money associated with treatment.
If you’re having trouble sticking to your HEP, let your physical therapist know as soon as possible. They can create strategies with you to make your homework easier to manage. Our goal at Horizon PT is to help you succeed — no matter what it takes.
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Easy Fruit Dip
Inspired by InspiredByCharm.com
Spring is here, which means it’s time to enjoy fresh fruits and refreshing treats! This recipe has only four ingredients and can be made in under five minutes, so it’s great to bring to parties or make before a quick get-together. We recommend serving it with strawberries or cut-up pineapple, mango, and honeydew.
Ingredients
• • • • •
1 7-oz jar marshmallow fluff
1 8-oz package of cream cheese, softened
1 cup vanilla yogurt
Splash of maraschino cherry juice Fresh-cut fruit of your choice
Directions 1. In a bowl, place all the ingredients except fruit and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving. 3. Serve with fresh-cut fruit. Dip and enjoy!
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