Rules for Therapy

Over the years, I have seen various versions of "Rules" or "Nevers" for Physical or Occupational Therapy. They usually consist of:

     1. Never say you can't because you'll do it anyway.
     2. Never say "it's easy" because we'll just make it harder.
     3. Never say "I want to go home" because you'll just stay longer.
     4. Never lose count because you'll start at one again.
     5. Never complain because we never listen.
     6. Never argue because you'll never win.
     7. Never scream or cry because it only encourages us.
     8. Never look like you're enjoying it because we'll put a stop to it.
     9. Never hold your breath because if you pass out and die, we have to fill out paperwork.
    10. Never lie or cheat because we know the truth and you'll live to regret it.

While some of these are simply in fun, there is an element of truth behind several points. No. 9 is a great example. Yes, if you hold your breath, you will pass out and the therapist will have to fill out paperwork, but more importantly if you hold your breath, you are depriving your body of the fuel it needs to operate.

(For the record, I never hold #4 against you. I can't count either. That's why I use a timer instead of repetitions.)

I have developed my own rules for therapy. There are four simple ones:
   
     1. No Pain. The old adage of "No pain, no gain." is so very wrong! Pain is usually present to say "you've already hurt me" or "you are about to hurt me". If there is pain when you are doing a task or exercise, it becomes an opportunity to learn a different way of doing business or figuring out the cause of the problem. Some pain may be present no matter what, but the goal is to keep the pain at a minimum.
    
     2. Go Slow. Speed is not important. Tai Chi and yoga built on the principle of slow, controlled motions to improve health and well-being. Moving slowly allows you to pick up on the tweaks and twists that might be causing harm and allows you to work a muscle or joint more efficiently. Try flexing your arm at a normal speed, then do so in slow motion. Feel the difference?

    3. Breathe. Yes, this is #9 from above. I don't want you to pass out. That's not the point. I want your body to have plenty of gas to complete the tasks it needs to do.

    4. Good Posture. Sitting or standing tall is more important than we think. Consider the nerves, joints, muscles, organs (heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, etc) situated through the trunk. In a slouched or slumped or "relaxed" posture, all of those vital parts are squished. They still work, just not as efficiently. When we stand or sit straight, we give those parts room to operate as they were intended. I am not talking about a military-style "at attention" posture, no one can maintain that for any length of time. I am talking to a more relaxed, up-right position similar to "at ease."

I use these four rules with nearly every client. They are sound principles and supported by masses of evidence. They feel good, too.

And that, my friends, is the whole point.

Have a wonderful day!