Staying Active With A Disability
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Avala Physical Therapy provides individualized, personal care for people with physical disabilities or suffering injuries. Our facility includes 3,500 square feet of space specifically equipped to assist our outpatient rehabilitation patients.
This allows the Avala Physical Therapy staff to deliver the highest possible quality of care and stay attentive to each patient’s specific needs.
Regular physical activity is good for everyone’s health, including people with disabilities. Avala Physical Therapists have experience helping those with disabilities stay active. Here are some tips on how getting active can help you and your disability!
- Getting active can help you:
- Strengthen your heart
- Build strong muscles
- Relieve stress
- Improve your mood
- Feel better about yourself
Before You Start
Talk to your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you. If you’re taking medicine, be sure to find out if it can affect how your body responds to physical activity.
It’s also a good idea to talk to a trained physical therapy professional. Avala Physical Therapy has trained therapists that are experienced with dealing with numerous disabilities.
Aerobic Activities
Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activities. Choose aerobic activities (activities that make your heart beat faster) like walking fast, wheelchair walking, swimming, or raking leaves.
Start slowly and do what you can. Even 5 minutes of physical activity has health benefits. You can build up to more over time. If you can’t get 2 hours and 30 minutes a week, get as much as you can.
Muscle-Strengthening
Do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. These include activities like push-ups or lifting weights. Pick activities that work for your disability.
You may need someone to help or watch you do certain muscle-strengthening activities. Talk with your doctor or a trained physical therapy professional. If you can, try working on the muscles that you use less often because of your disability.
Support
- Find support and stick with it
- Bring along a friend, especially if you’re trying out a new activity.
- If you don’t meet your physical activity goal, don’t give up. Start again tomorrow.
- Be active according to your abilities. Remember, any amount of physical activity is better than none!
