Importance of Home Exercise Plan in Physical Therapy

Patients are typically given home exercises at their first physical therapy appointment, and they are updated as needed throughout the course of treatment. They are offered to support the transition to independent management of the condition and to reinforce the work done during each visit. The therapist will frequently check these exercises throughout treatment to […]

December 14, 2021

Gagan Bhargav

Patients are typically given home exercises at their first physical therapy appointment, and they are updated as needed throughout the course of treatment. They are offered to support the transition to independent management of the condition and to reinforce the work done during each visit. The therapist will frequently check these exercises throughout treatment to ensure proper form and progression.

However, it’s crucial to remember that patients must adhere to home exercises when not receiving physical therapy. While some patients might not be accustomed to working out at home, others may lead very hectic lives and find it challenging to find even a short amount of free time. Nevertheless, home exercise is the cornerstone of a comprehensively effective physical therapy program.

What is a Home Exercise Plan?

One of the most crucial elements of physical therapy is a home exercise program (HEP). Physical therapy patients are given a unique set of therapeutic exercises to perform independently at home. During the patient’s initial evaluation, a HEP is given.

The patient and their physical therapist will go through each exercise together so the physical therapist can ensure the patient has the right form and isn’t in any pain while doing the exercises. This program eventually supports the patient’s transition from physical therapy appointments to independent exercise at home.

What are the Benefits of a Home Exercise Plan?

If you’re walking on thin ice and aren’t able to decide if a Home Exercise Plan is right for you or not, we are here to tell you about the benefits of HEPs.

#1 A personalised touch

The outcomes of using HEP for a patient can be customised for each person. Each patient’s home exercise program should be unique, even for those with the same injury. This is because every person’s physical condition is unique and is influenced by their history. For instance, a person with leg problems may not have the same HEP as another person with the same injury.

Such personal histories will determine the order and type of exercises, including stretches, strength training, and endurance training. This individualised approach enables people to recover more quickly and easily. Tolerance levels will be raised as patients gradually recover, preventing the pain from getting worse.

#2 The mental advantages of home exercise

Patients who need to work specific muscles to recover must follow a strict home exercise regimen. It is significant in other respects as well, though. The home exercise plan is vital for patients who are both physically unable to move and emotionally dejected.

With their personalised HEPs, patients will gradually gain more confidence in their ability to recover from the injury as long as they continue to complete their exercises successfully. The road to recovery is much shorter with these modest but important steps, and the fear of greater intensity or frequency is diminished.

#3 Obtain a long-lasting recovery

Our ultimate objective is for you to graduate and experience enduring healing. This is doable with a home exercise routine. A home exercise plan ensures frequent exercise, promoting the body’s natural healing process.

So, once you can move the rest of your body again, it will be less stressful. This will also help you avoid having the same injury happen again and enable you to function normally again quicker, healthier, and better.

To Sum Up

Exercises performed at home may feel awkward, especially if they are brand-new. Patients should have faith that their therapist will check that they are exercising properly before sending them home with a regimen. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that the exercises shouldn’t hurt.

Patients should feel free to ask their physical therapist any questions they may have about the home exercise regimen. To ensure success, they can modify the exercises to consider each patient’s special requirements or worries. And if you’re a physical therapist, unable to assign HEPs online? SmartPT, the new-age physical therapy software, can help you out with its library of exercise videos and detailed images. This way, you can create customised plans for your patients and push them to follow the Home Exercise Plan.

Receive updates, business advice, and easy-to-follow tips in your inbox with just a tap.

    Go-to Physio Blogs

    Does your Physio therapy business needs a boost? Access the ready to implement ideas & strategies.