It might seem hard to look on the bright side these days. News is grim, and it looks like most of us will need to stay socially distant for some time. For people who rely on exercise classes to stay healthy, it’s another loss on top of the interactions we had at work or school.
But even in this challenging time there are plenty of ways to stay positive and healthy. Coury and Buehler Physical Therapy, a Physiquality member in Orange County, California, reminds us that it’s important to create a new routine to get ourselves through a stay-at-home order. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but by simply getting up at the same time every day (even if it’s a little later than it used to be), showering and making your bed will help you approach each day with a more positive outlook.
Exercising regularly in particular can help both your mental and physical health. Many healthcare professionals are finding ways to help us stay well while staying at home. Here are some examples of how physical therapy clinics in the Physiquality network are helping people at home:
Coury and Buehler Physical Therapy suggests creating activity stations in the backyard. Each family can create something similar with the sports equipment available at their home, taking into account each family member’s age and physical ability. Consider taking a family walk or taking the bikes out for a spin (while maintaining appropriate social distance from others you encounter outside). Or for a more intense workout, fill a gym bag with household items to use as weight for squats, lunges and deadlifts, as shown above.
The Physical Therapy and Wellness Institute in Pennsylvania has been hosting fitness classes on Facebook every Monday. The above image links to an online class from their “Stay Home and Sweat” series. Many physical therapy clinics are providing how-to videos on Facebook and Instagram, not only about working out at home, but also about properly setting up your home workstation.
And Rocklin Physical Therapy in Northern California can even help you get home workout equipment with a “no touch transaction” in the parking lot!
Many physical therapy clinics (including all of those listed above) have even added virtual physical therapy visits. Appointments are made with a physical therapist who can video chat with you at home, discuss what kind of problem you’re having, and create a plan of care that can be completed at home.
From a simple solitary run to consulting with a physical therapist through a telehealth visit, there are myriad ways to manage your health from home. Contact (and follow on social media) your nearest Physiquality location to learn what virtual options are available; use our locator below to find the location closest to you.
Remember to take care of yourself, and to forgive yourself if you skip a workout or sleep in late one day. We’re all coping the best we know how – just remember that you’re not in this alone. #StayHomeStayHealthy
Thank you to our contributors:
Coury and Buehler Physical Therapy is a Physiquality member with seven locations in Orange County, California. Founded by Brandon Buehler and Rich Coury in 2004, they work to help every patient live a better, healthier life, relieving pain and improving function through treatment.
Physiquality member Physical Therapy and Wellness Institute has 11 locations in Pennsylvania. From their high-tech aquatic therapy facility and circuit strength-training equipment to their experienced staff, PTW is able to handle any orthopedic need… from wheelchairs to ankle sprains.
Rocklin Physical Therapy is a Physiquality member in Rocklin, California. The goal of owner John Zieour, MSPT, SFMA, and his team is simple: To help you feel well and to give you the tools to live well for years to come.