Before you leave the hospital, physical therapists can assess your physical condition and come up with an appropriate set of exercises. Everyone has different wants and needs, so programs are usually customized. They will also be flexible, taking your energy level into account. The staff of the Physical Therapy Department can also instruct you, your family and other caregivers on how to proceed with your program at home. Their recommendations on an appropriate program may be essential to your recovery.
Safety Rules When you begin exercising, keep in mind a few simple rules for safety:
• Ask your doctor if you're ready to exercise. Let him or her set limits to your activity.
• Have someone join you. This will make the exercise more enjoyable and safer, especially when you are just
getting out of bed and may feel dizzy.
• Stop and rest if you feel tired or if your muscles are sore.
• Leave out any exercises that seem too difficult and try them another day when you feel stronger.
• Try to repeat each exercise three to five times at first, then gradually increase the repetitions to ten or twenty.
• Try to exercise at least twice a day, more often if you feel up to it.
The most important rule is to start out gradually. Don't overdo it. Muscles that haven't been used for days or weeks will strain very easily. Light warmup exercises several times a day will be useful, both as a starting point for your program and as a daily prelude to more vigorous exercises later on.
