I recently fractured my ankle. While there are pieces to this recovery process, and unfortunately, the right side of my ankle, I am currently in the physical therapy phase. Frankly, I could not wait to get to this point, I just want to get back to where I was before the break. The way the human body repairs itself is amazing, but a long process. I have been going 2 to 3 times a week for nearly 2 months. I have made enormous gains in just being able to walk again, but I still have a long way to go to regain the strength and agility of my other ankle.
The commitment to physical therapy has to be strong, because, let’s face it you can come up with so many excuses to stop — “It takes too much time.”; “It does not seem I do that much there.”; “I can do the same thing at home.”; “IT HURTS!” Every time, I hesitate I realize this is truly the only way I can achieve my maximum recovery. While it does not seem like the exercises I do at physical therapy are complicated, over time, I grow a little bit stronger. I am able to do a little bit more, and this builds on itself. There is equipment there I could never have at home.
Do not forget to talk to your therapist! I found I was starting to dread going to therapy because the pain was getting worse but that I needed that to get stronger. When I finally told my therapist, I was actually hurting myself, so he revised some exercises, and the improvement was incredible.
So whether you hurt yourself in an accident, slip and fall, motor vehicle accident or a work injury, and your doctor recommends physical therapy GO and do not stop until both your therapist and your doctor think you have achieved your maximum recovery.