Simple Things You Can Do Each Day For Better Health!
If you’ve been struggling recently and are looking for lasting tips to relieve pain, a physical therapist can help you out. With a customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will learn highly effective ways to manage your pain and boost your overall energy levels.
Our physical therapists are equipped with the skills to help you live a pain-free life at last. Contact our office today to learn more and schedule your first visit with us!
Below we’ve listed five helpful tips you can implement to gain more energy and relieve acute or chronic pain!
1. Take Time To Breathe
Obviously you’re breathing all the time, however, it’s not focused breathing! Your physical therapist will show you how practicing focused breathing techniques can help relieve your pain and give you an energy boost during the day.
In these uncertain times, it can be of the utmost importance, every few hours or so during the day, to make sure you take a moment to yourself to stop, shut your eyes, and breathe. Breathe in deeply through your nose. Make sure your lungs are as full as possible, and then breathe out through your mouth. Let a bit of air out through your lips by keeping them lightly pursed, and focus on nothing but your breathing for a few minutes.
You’ll be shocked at how much of a difference it can make with your energy and stress levels!
2. Moving and Grooving
Most of us underestimate how critical it is to move around a lot every day. And with more work being done from home these days, moving around is the first thing that my patients have been forgetting. This is something physical therapy will make very clear to you!
When you are in pain, it might be instinct to curl up in the fetal position on your side, but that’s the worst option you can choose. Forcing yourself to get up and walk around a bit every hour is a better choice, even if you just take a simple walk around the room. This can help relieve your pain immensely, and give you an extra boost of energy.
3. Change How You’re Sitting
The way you sit can have a massive impact on your pain and energy levels. Your physical therapist might recommend that you change the way you’re sitting to relieve pain. A lumbar cushion behind your back can help relieve pressure in your lower back region. By avoiding pain, you’ll feel less zapped of energy at the end of the day. Your physical therapist will be able to offer a specialized treatment plan full of tips and exercises to help you adjust your sitting habits at home and in your work environment.
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.”
This goes hand in hand with #2! Be sure to take breaks while working and get up to move around!
4. Good Posture Is Key
If you make improvements with your posture it can make a massive difference with your overall health. A physical therapy program can help you improve your posture, and this is something you can also carry out long term. Sitting and standing with your shoulders back, chest out, and a straight spine is a good start. Avoid sitting slumped over a book, desk, or your computer at work! Your physical therapist can guide you towards proper posture habits that will help relieve pain and pressure.
5. Drink More Water
It is recommended that we drink about an ounce of water for each pound we weigh each day! That seems like a lot, but it normally averages out to be around 7-8 glasses. Drinking enough water will prevent you from dehydrating, and this will allow you to avoid muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, and constipation.
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. The added bonus is that it can help you keep your appetite under control so you’re less likely to gain unnecessary weight.
Contact Our Office Today!
Physical therapy is a safe, healthy, noninvasive way to recover from injury or illness and get back to feeling your absolute best. Be sure to use the above tips to relieve pain and supplement your custom physical therapy program for optimal success. If you’re ready to learn more about how healthy eating and exercises can get your energy back and relieve annoying pain, we’re here and ready to get you pain-free and back to life in the safest environment possible! Call us today to schedule an appointment with a licensed physical therapist and see how we’re committed to keeping our patients safe in the clinic!