The Benefits Of Training With Physical Therapy Professionals At Reload
Making Every Session a Positive Experience for Our Clients
Why are physical therapists important? What are the benefits of training with a physical therapist?
In our previous article, ‘How To Get the Most Out of Physical Therapy: The Key To Safe and Effective Sessions’, we discussed Reload’s unique approach to physical therapy. Our clients discover an experience that is far removed from the experiences they have had with traditional healthcare providers that often focus solely on treatment of an injury.
Traditional physical therapy often results in a health gap by not aligning with patients’ real-life objectives, such as returning to a favorite sport or enjoying pain-free daily activities. This gap can result in incomplete recovery and dissatisfaction.
Here at Reload, our physical therapy professionals employ a holistic approach, integrating personalized workouts and overall wellness. It’s a strategy that ensures a program that not only aids in recovery, but also supports your broader fitness and lifestyle goals. Every session is a comprehensive and rewarding experience.
Whether you’re aiming to return to specific activities or seeking to enhance your general wellbeing, Reload’s approach is tailored to meet your unique needs.
In this article, we delve into the benefits of training with physical therapy professionals at Reload, with insights provided by Dr. Adrienne Lufkin, a seasoned physical therapist at Reload. With her help, we explore why physical therapists are vital to your recovery and fitness journey, and how they not only provide treatment but also educate and customize training to adapt to your evolving needs. For a comprehensive take on the benefits of training with a physical therapist, read on.
Why Are Physical Therapists Important On Your Recovery & Fitness Journey?
We firmly believe that physical therapy should not solely provide a road to returning to exercise after injury. It should also empower you to achieve your fitness goals. Every session is designed to deliver a positive learning session.
“As physical therapists, we’re also educators,” says Adrienne. “Whether it relates to teaching someone exercise technique, the appropriate intensity needed for adaptation, how to progress a program over time, or how to modify exercises in terms of complexity to develop qualities tied to their goals.”
This educational component is essential for long-term success, and helps clients understand how to modify exercises to align with their goals.
“Many clients have some misconceptions related to pain or what’s safe. It’s crucial to address these for their long-term progress,” Adrienne continues. “For example, evidence shows that people with chronic pain often have flare-ups once a year. Understanding that this is the natural course of certain injuries can help us respond appropriately without resorting to drastic measures like surgery or injections.”
Client Input Matters
Adrienne also highlights the importance of client input. Asking clients what would make their session successful often guides the therapy process.
“Your responses and feedback allow us to consider key educational points aligned to your specific needs. Thus, we develop unique learning objectives to ensure you understand key concepts for success during and beyond your time with us.”
Reload’s Follow-Up Process: Unlocking the Door to Continuous Progression
Follow-up sessions at Reload are dynamic and tailored to each client’s progress and needs – that’s why no two follow-up sessions for different clients are ever the same.
“Often, we’re stress-testing to see if someone is ready for progressions, whether in volume, load, or complexity of exercises,” Adrienne explains. “We may review the original plan, identify successes, and determine where things are getting too easy, so we can adjust the intensity and volume to continue benefiting week to week.”
You could find one session focuses on exercises you can replicate on your own, while another session is geared toward working on progressions and regressions.
“Physical therapy professionals at Reload wear many hats. During follow-up sessions, we might test if you’re ready for a progression. We might work on programming, helping you understand how to manipulate variables to progress and adapt,” Adrienne says.
“If you’re struggling with certain exercises, we ensure you understand our decisions and provide variations that you can execute successfully. This might involve pivoting to different movements that still train the desired qualities while boosting your confidence.”
How Do Physical Therapists Help with Injury & Recovery?
One of the significant benefits of training with a physical therapist is the ability to make on-the-spot adjustments, especially in response to injuries or past medical histories.
“It’s about professional oversight,” Adrienne explains. “We always consider your medical or orthopedic history, and choose variations that align with the training plan’s objectives. Every session involves adjustments, whether in load, range of motion, or coaching cues, to ensure safety and effectiveness. We might pivot based on your recovery, stress levels, or recent workouts. When training on your own, you don’t get this professional input–- so you miss out on the fine-tuning that can make such a huge difference.”
Such careful management minimizes the risk of injury while maximizing the benefits of the workout, highlighting the unique value of training with a physical therapist.
What Makes Reload’s Physical Therapy Team Different?
It’s not only the education of clients that sets our team apart. Physical therapy is a continually evolving science, and continuous education is a cornerstone of our approach.
“Physical therapists must continue their education to maintain their licenses, but our team focuses on deep dives with experienced teachers who have decades of experience,” Adrienne explains. “These coaches have proven strategies for getting results with diverse populations – not just athletes, but also the general population. They help us understand how to apply principles across the board, tailoring them to injuries, fitness levels, and goals.”
The team at Reload learns from some of the best coaches in strength, speed, and change of direction, working with high-level athletes and the general population.
“This understanding of time-tested principles for performance and injury mitigation sets us apart,” says Adrienne. “We know how to tailor these principles for varied populations and goals, always considering injury and medical history to determine the appropriate application for each person.”
Final Thoughts
Training with physical therapy professionals offers a unique blend of recovery, education, and performance enhancement, making it a valuable option for anyone looking to improve their fitness and wellbeing.
At Reload, the expertise of our physical therapy professionals ensures that you receive not just treatment, but a holistic approach to health and fitness. The team’s ability to connect with clients, understand their unique needs, and adapt plans accordingly sets them apart. This approach fosters long-term success, helping you to achieve sustainable fitness and wellbeing.
If you’re unsure whether training with a physical therapist is right for you, we’re available to help you make the best decision. Fill out a simple online form to book a free 20-minute discovery call with Reload. This session can help you determine if our approach aligns with your goals and needs.
