Use Passive And Active Exercises To Gain Muscle Mass And Increase Your Range Of Motion

A musculoskeletal injury that resulted in limited use of one of your legs can seem overbearing and may cause you to lose interest in daily activities. As a part of your treatment, your physical therapist may incorporate passive and active exercises that are to be performed in your therapist's office and at home. Get involved in your treatment plan and go easy on yourself as you work to gain muscle mass and increase your range of motion.

Learn What Types Of Exercises Will Help

Passive exercises that your physical therapist may incorporate in your treatment include leg lifts and stretches that are performed without you moving. Your therapist will move your legs in a manner that will loosen muscles and provide resistance that will assist with recovering strength in the area that was damaged.

Active exercises may include walking on a treadmill, deep knee bends, stretching while sitting on a floor mat, and walking around a room with the aid of a walker.

Find out how often you should exercise at home and purchase some exercise aids that will help you maintain your comfort level and composure while completing each set of exercises. A cushioned mat, resistance bands, a yoga ball, and ankle weights are some basic aids that can make each exercise session more fulfilling. 

Don't Overexert Yourself

When you are exercising at home, you may be anxious to complete each set in a specific amount of time. This may not be possible when you first begin your exercise treatment plan; you need to give your body time to adjust to the increased activity that you are participating in.

If a loved one is willing to sit with you during your exercise sessions, you will be provided with support and a helping hand if you wind up in an awkward position that makes it difficult for you to move the leg that was affected by the injury. Remember that it is going to take time and determination for you to recover completely.

For the time being, focus on completing exercises to the best of your ability, but give yourself a break in between each set. Also, let your physical therapist know about any difficulties that you encounter while completing a specific exercise. If you are struggling to complete the exercises each day, then you may require a modification on some of the moves until your leg has strengthened more.

For more information, contact a physical therapy treatment service, such as Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.