I go to church with a sweet older man. He is the older man that always gravitates towards the mom’s and the kids at church. He always greets me with a handshake and asks how I am, I respond good and then I return the question. This is the older type of man that has a witty comeback like, “If I was any better there would have to be two of me!” Then we all laugh and he always asks if my kids can have a sucker or a piece of candy he is holding. Of course, I say yes, the kids are happy and the sweet older man is happy!
I just feel so bad for him though, he looks like it would hurt to even smile or shake hands however. He has to hold his poor head up because his back is arched and causes his neck and head to be facing down towards the ground. When we shake hands I just want to help him straighten his back. He just somehow over the years got in a bad habit of slunching over which created poor posture.
After a hospital stay, it’s common to experience weakness and fatigue. This can make it difficult to maintain good posture, and can lead to a number of problems, including pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Decreased range of motion (ROM) is a condition in which a joint or muscle is not able to move through its full range of motion. This can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, surgery, arthritis, and muscle weakness.
Decreased ROM can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reaching, bending, and walking. It can also lead to pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
There are a number of things that can be done to improve ROM, including:
- Exercise: Exercise is one of the best ways to improve ROM. There are a number of exercises that can be done to target specific joints and muscles.
- Stretching: Stretching is another effective way to improve ROM. Stretching should be done slowly and gently, and should be held for at least 30 seconds.
- Heat therapy: Heat therapy can help to relax muscles and improve ROM. Heat can be applied in a number of ways, such as using a heating pad or taking a hot bath.
- Cold therapy: Cold therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Cold can be applied in a number of ways, such as using an ice pack or taking a cold shower.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve ROM by strengthening muscles and teaching patients how to stretch properly.
If you are experiencing decreased ROM, it is important to see a doctor or physical therapist to get a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Poor posture can also contribute to other health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy can help you improve your posture and strength after a hospital stay. A physical therapist will assess your individual needs and create a customized treatment plan to help you reach your goals.
A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who helps people improve their movement and function. Physical therapists use a variety of treatments, including exercise, manual therapy, and education, to help people recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries.
When you first see a physical therapist, they will assess your individual needs and create a customized treatment plan to help you reach your goals. This assessment will typically include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and an evaluation of your functional abilities.
Once the physical therapist has a good understanding of your needs, they will develop a treatment plan that is specific to you. This plan may include exercises, manual therapy, education, or a combination of these treatments.
The goal of physical therapy is to help you improve your movement and function so that you can return to your normal activities of daily living.
Physical therapy can help you:
- Recover from an injury or illness
- Improve your strength and flexibility
- Improve your balance and coordination
- Reduce pain
- Improve your quality of life
If you are experiencing pain, difficulty moving, or other problems with your movement, talk to your doctor about seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapy can help you improve your movement and function so that you can live your life to the fullest.
The Benefits Of Physical Therapy:
- Reduced risk of falls: Physical therapy can help to improve balance and coordination, which can help to reduce the risk of falls.
- Improved quality of life: Physical therapy can help to improve pain, function, and overall quality of life.
- Reduced healthcare costs: Physical therapy can help to reduce healthcare costs by preventing or delaying the need for surgery or other costly treatments.
- Exercises to strengthen your muscles
- Stretches to improve your flexibility
- Education on proper posture
- Advice on how to avoid poor posture habits
Home physical therapy can be a great option for people who are recovering from a hospital stay. It allows you to receive the benefits of physical therapy in the comfort of your own home, at a time that is convenient for you.
Home physical therapy can also be more affordable than traditional physical therapy, and it can help you avoid the hassle of traveling to and from appointments.
If you are interested in home physical therapy, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about whether it is right for you.
Tips For Improving Your Posture After A Hospital Stay:
- Be aware of your posture throughout the day. Make a conscious effort to stand up straight and sit up tall.
- Use good posture when you are sleeping. Make sure your mattress and pillows are supportive.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you have to sit for a long time, get up and move around every 20-30 minutes.
- See a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help you to improve your posture and strength.
Call Kinetic Therapy Service for any questions or to receive home physical therapy to help with your posture!
Kinetic Therapy Service
580-279-1928