Better Your Health with These 5 Tips!
If you have recently been dealing with pain and are searching for lasting relief, our physical therapists are here for you. With a personalized physical therapy plan, you can discover highly efficient ways to treat your pain and improve your overall energy levels.
Our physical therapists have the experience to help you actually live a pain-free life. Please contact our office today to learn more and arrange your first appointment with us!
Here are five helpful tips that you can use to generate more energy and alleviate acute or chronic pain!
1. Make sure to hydrate
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.
2. Practice proper posture
If you make improvements with your posture it can make a massive difference in 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.
3. Make ergonomic changes to the way you sit
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 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.”
Be sure to take breaks at work and get up to move around!
4. Get moving
Most of us underestimate how critical it is to move around a lot every day. 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.
5. Make sure 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.
Every few hours, 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!
Ready to get started?
Physical therapy is a safe, healthy, non-invasive way to recover from injury or illness and get back to feeling your absolute best. Be sure to use the tips above to add to your customized physical therapy plan for optimum results.
If you’re ready to learn more about how healthy eating and exercise will bring back your energy and alleviate irritating pain, we’re here for you! Contact Fitness Matters today to arrange a consultation with a licensed physical therapist!
