Whether personal or professional, everyone has goals. Goal setting is an important way for us to focus on something we want and work hard to achieve it, so it should come as no surprise that goal setting is a common tactic during physical therapy. Below, we explain why goal setting and working hard to achieve these goals is so important during your rehabilitation from injury or surgery.
1. Motivation
Motivation is arguably the biggest reason why we work with patients to help set attainable goals. Studies have shown that individuals with clearly defined goals are more motivated to do what is asked of them to help achieve this result. If your goal is to regain your independence and return to living on your own following a hip replacement operation, you’re more likely to complete the necessary rehab exercises because you have a goal in mind. When a patient is more motivated, they are more engaged in the process, and that helps drive therapy success.
2. Visualized Progress
Some patients struggle to see the progress they are making if they aren’t working towards a goal. You should leave each session with some short-term and long-term goals in mind, because this will help you visualize the progress you’re making. You may not feel like you’re making huge strides in therapy, but if you’re checking small goals off your list, you can take solace in knowing that you’re on track to achieve your long-term goals.
3. Reassessment
Goal setting is also an important tool for the physical therapist in terms of tracking your progress. If you’re struggling to accomplish your goals or you’re breezing past checkpoints, your physical therapist can reassess your situation and set some more realistic goals. We’re constantly reassessing our patient’s goals and the goals we set for them to ensure they are both realistic and challenging, because these factors help fuel progress.
4. Education
Finally, we also find that patients that have a better understanding of their condition and their course of rehab are more likely to attend sessions and follow through with their home-based therapy routines, and goal setting can help ensure you know where you are in your rehab and where we expect you to be in the future. It also helps the patient understand what is realistic so that they aren’t disappointed that they haven’t met some unattainable goals. Goal setting helps to educate the patient on what we expect of them and how they can best achieve it.
To set up an appointment with one of our physical therapists and set some goals of your own, reach out to OrthoRehab Specialists today for more information.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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