09 Aug The Role Physical Therapy Plays in Substance Abuse Recovery

One of the most overlooked aspects of the recovery process is the crucial role played by physical therapy. When struggling with substance abuse disorder, we must understand that its impact spreads beyond our psychological well-being. Today, Calm Rehab wants to discuss the essential role physical therapy plays and how it can be one of the most important aspects of substance abuse recovery. 

Understanding Physical Therapy and its Benefits

Physical therapy involves guided exercises designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance our overall physical function. When something has impacted a person’s physical health, implementing physical therapy can help them build strength, manage pain, and enhance their overall well-being. 

How Our Bodies React to Long-Term Substance Use 

When someone has been struggling with long-term substance use, it is likely to have a profound impact on their body. Substance abuse affects a plethora of physiological systems, which can contribute to numerous health complications over time. Excessive drug and alcohol consumption causes muscle wasting and impaired mobility. It can also lead to cardiovascular issues and gastrointestinal problems, increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes, ulcers, gastritis, and liver disease. 

Steps to Take When Introducing Physical Therapy During Recovery 

When introducing physical therapy into an addiction recovery plan, it is essential to carry out a thorough assessment of the individual’s physical health to determine an appropriate and realistic course of action. It is crucial to set realistic goals that take everything into account, ensuring potential risks are avoided, and motivation is maintained throughout. With gradual progression, it is more likely that a person will be able to keep going and feel the benefits. This will also help empower the individual, cultivating a positive environment. Remember, physical therapy should be guided by professionals to ensure the plan is developed correctly. If attempting physical therapy without guidance, it can lead to unrealistic goal setting and be detrimental to a person’s overall physical health and well-being. 

Why it is Essential to Take Physical Therapy Slowly During Recovery 

When beginning physical therapy, taking it slowly plays a crucial role. Substance abuse can cause severe damage to a person’s physical health, and not taking this into consideration can massively hinder the recovery process. Taking the time to properly develop a physical therapy program can help avoid injury, which enables the continuation of constant progress. It is also needed to manage expectations and build a solid foundation for long-term success. Rushing into it can lead to unrealistic goals, burnout, and numerous setbacks. Remember, addiction recovery is not a race and can only be achieved when all parties involved are on the right page. A professional physical therapist will provide the best guidance for successful recovery. 

How Professional Guidance Can Help When Beginning Physical Therapy 

Throughout the entire recovery process, professional guidance massively increases the chance of success. With the guidance of a professional physical therapist, it is possible to take all factors into account and develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses where any physical health issues lie. After an assessment, they can work closely with a person to set realistic goals and identify potential challenges along the way. Additionally, with the right monitoring and supervision, it is much more likely that a person will respond positively to treatment plans and receive appropriate support to ensure they are doing everything correctly, helping to build confidence and reducing the risk of injury. A professional physical therapist also plays the role of a support person, helping maintain constant encouragement and motivation. Sticking to a physical therapy plan can be one of the most challenging aspects of recovery, so having a committed trainer increases focus, commitment, resilience, and determination.

Exercises That Can Help Enhance the Recovery Process 

Depending on the individual’s physical health, the physical therapy program can vary massively. Sports such as walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing are great for cardiovascular health and can dramatically elevate a person’s mood, enhancing recovery. Strength training might also be included to improve function, whereas flexibility exercise, such as yoga, can help with mobility and reduce stiffness. It may also be necessary to incorporate balance exercises to help with impaired coordination. A professional physical therapist will develop a personalised action plan consisting of the perfect combination.

How We Can Support Our Loved Ones with Physical Therapy During Recovery 

Physical therapy can be one of the most challenging aspects of addiction recovery, so it is essential that we are providing the proper support for loved ones embarking on their recovery journey. It is crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, providing positive, kind, and encouraging support. An additional level of support we can provide is joining in. Participating in physical therapy shows dedication to their rehabilitation and increases the likelihood of them sticking to the plan. Remember, communication, patience, and understanding are key to maintaining abstinence. Supporting someone through this difficult time can be challenging, but without that support, the chances of success will be much lower. 

When a physical therapist is developing a plan, get involved and ensure you are aware of the steps needed for the best outcome. Every time we show interest and involvement, the road to recovery gets a little bit easier. 

You’re Not Alone: Start Your Recovery Journey Today

Addiction recovery can be a long and challenging process for everyone involved. It is essential to foster an empathetic and supportive environment to enhance the likelihood of success. If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, the path towards recovery starts now. At Calm Rehab Centre, we are passionate about guiding both those struggling with substance use and their families through to the other side. With the right approach, it is never too late to start the steps towards a healthy and happy lifestyle. Get in touch with us today to see what we can do for you. By providing professional guidance and support, we can work together to create a brighter future.