For most of us, vacation equals relaxation, catching up with loved ones, or even some much-needed fun in the sun. Even though we all deserve a break from time to time missing just a few physical therapy visits can interfere with your progress. With just a little forethought and planning, you can stay active and healthy throughout your trip.
If you are going on vacation during your rehabilitation program, there are a few key things you can do. Firstly, before you leave for vacation, discuss a home exercise plan with your physical therapist. You can take your home exercise plan with you so you’ll know exactly what you can do while you are away. Then, a good approach is to strategize what time of the day will work best for you, depending on how your time has already been planned. It is always ideal to fit your routine first thing in the morning so you don’t have to worry about it the entire day. Although, you can always find time around lunchtime when your body is naturally most active. Making use of your breaks during your time is also a way to go. Whether you’re flying from Hobby Airport or driving out of town to Surfside beach, you’re likely going to be doing a lot of sitting and waiting at the beginning and end of your trip, which is a great time to get those exercises in. You can also take advantage of those breaks during your trip, such as when you’re waiting to be seated at a restaurant or waiting in line at the Kemah Boardwalk. Taking just a few minutes throughout the day to do some stretching and some of the prescribed exercises will help keep you from losing all those hard-fought gains you worked on with your physical therapist.
Lastly, if you’ve had a major injury or are recovering from surgery, ask your physical therapist for some advice on how to prevent reinjury while you are away from the clinic. Sticking to a home exercise plan can be challenging, but in the end, the benefits are well worth the effort.
