Getting the most out of your physical therapy experience

December 15, 2022

Share this article:

Whether you are attending Physical Therapy for a chronic, long-term issue, or you are navigating an acute injury from an athletic event or an accident, keep the following in mind to maximize your efforts and make your PT the most effective it can be.

1) Be Consistent- Big changes happen in small steps. Be sure to maintain your prescribed frequency of visits to see and feel the biggest physical changes possible. Imagine trying to lose weight but only focusing on your diet 4 times per month – you probably won’t see very big changes, if any! Same goes for your physical health – consistency is KEY. *Our Role: at APM, we strive to make your health convenient for you. Need to get for PT before heading into work, no problem, we open at 7:30am. After work or school better for your schedule? We are here until 7pm most nights, so we’ve got you covered. We’ll schedule your appointments in advance (and send you text reminders about your appointments!) so your PT schedule can be a priority in your already busy life. 


2) Be Ready to Work- You’ve made the decision to seek Physical Therapy for a reason so when you attend your visits, be sure to bring your “A” game. The hardest part of this endeavor is making the commitment to Physical Therapy, and you’ve already done that! Make the most of your decision and work hard when you’re here.  *Our Role: A big source of pride for us at APM is our staff- they’re here not only to guide you through your PT exercises, but also to help make every rep a GREAT rep. OUR goal is YOUR goal! 


3) Progress is not Linear- Be consistent in your Physical Therapy and work hard- those 2 factors are within your control. Your work & consistency will pay off and eventually your “bad days” will be less bad and less frequent. Progress will ebb and flow through therapy until you reach your goals – stick with it!


4) Stay Positive! Attitude is everything! We’ve all heard it a thousand times, but it IS true! Positive thinking has been shown to have a positive impact on depression, pain, resilience, and coping skills. Arrive at your Physical Therapy sessions with an open mind and a positive attitude and recognize that you are in control of the changes you are seeking. *Our Role: It is always our goal to make sure that you are in a better mood leaving our doors than when you arrived through them!

Connect with Us:

Head being hit by a rectangular object. Brain shows signs of impact, labeled
By Dr. Glenn December 5, 2025
Learn the stages of concussion recovery and get a clear concussion recovery timeline with guidance from Advanced Physical Medicine.
Football player in green uniform stretching on the field with teammates in the background.
By Dr. Glenn December 1, 2025
Learn how to prevent football injuries with practical tips that reduce the risk of injury in football, supported by Advanced Physical Medicine.
woman receiving physical therapy for whiplash
November 3, 2025
Recover faster with personalized whiplash treatment. Advanced Physical Medicine of St. Charles offers expert physical therapy for whiplash and lasting pain relief.
group of men and women running a marathon
October 31, 2025
Train smarter and recover faster with marathon physical therapy, PT for runners, and post marathon running care at Advanced Physical Medicine of St. Charles.
A man injured from a car accident.
October 24, 2025
Experience effective car accident recovery with Advanced Physical Medicine. Our customized chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture treatments restore mobility and relieve pain.
pregnant woman doing physical therapy
October 17, 2025
Experience the benefits of physical therapy for pregnancy at Advanced Physical Medicine to relieve pain, improve balance, and prepare for a healthier delivery.
body tempering exercise on calf at Advanced Physical Medicine
September 2, 2025
Discover what body tempering is and how it aids recovery and performance with Advanced Physical Medicine’s expert insights on tempering techniques.
Man in white shirt stretching on a yoga mat indoors, smiling.
By Advanced Physical Medicine August 29, 2025
Discover how physical therapy helps recovery after a work injury—relieve pain, restore strength, and support a safe return to work.
Man receiving lower back brace fitting from another man. Indoors.
By Advanced Physical Medicine August 22, 2025
Discover 15 practical tips for traveling with back pain. Learn how to pack smart, stay comfortable, and reduce discomfort on flights, road trips, or train rides.
Woman in pink tank top stretching outdoors at sunset.
By Advanced Physical Medicine August 21, 2025
Prevent back pain on long road trips with simple tips. Learn how to stretch, adjust your seat, and support your spine for a more comfortable drive.