2019 is almost here, and it’s the perfect time for assessing the year behind and looking forward to the changes we want to make in the new year to come. Health and fitness are obviously some of the top resolutions people make each year. According to Nielson’s online survey, here are the top 5 New Year’s Resolutions Americans made last year:

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions
-Stay fit and healthy  37%
-Lose weight  32%
-Enjoy life to the fullest 28%
-Spend less, save more  25%
-Spend more time with family and friends  19%

Your goals are just as important to us here at Crystal Lake Physical Therapy, and tailoring your physical therapy to your personal needs is just one of the ways we help. If any of these resolutions are on your list for the new year, here are some ways you can reach them all.

Stay Fit and Healthy
The best way to stay fit and healthy is to start with a plan. Just like a good chef prepares his menu carefully, listing out all of the ingredients, a healthy lifestyle requires listing the components that will help you the most. If you’ve faced a recent injury, a plan is key to a healthy recovery. At Crystal Lake Physical Therapy we give you the tools to get back to health and doing the things you love most.  You can read some of our physical therapy tips to keep you healthy here.

Physical therapy is about living a happy, healthy life free of pain. Our team works with each patient to provide them with a personalized plan. These plans are put together with a lot of thought and consideration and since every patient is different, no two plans are the same. We want to help you to be healthy for life. This includes the life you have now, the life you want, and the future. No one wants to sit on the sidelines while life passes by.

While we encourage everyone to ask about physical therapy before committing to surgeries or taking strong medications, we also always value your physician's opinion.  In August of 2018 the State of Illinois became a Direct Access state for physical therapy services.  That means that you no longer have to visit your physician for a referral before coming to physical therapy.  You can now visit your physical therapist FIRST.  

What’s great about Physical Therapy is that it’s not just for recovery but should also be looked at as a method for pain prevention.  It’s never a bad idea to include a Physical Therapist on your team if you’re starting a new workout program, diet, or looking to lose weight.

Physical Therapy Tips
Wear an activity tracker: Okay, this one is not necessary, but it does make a difference to most people when you can see yourself get faster, stronger, and able to endure more. Tracking your workouts allows you to see your progress, pinpoint what might be causing pain/discomfort, and report to your wellness team (doctor and physical therapist). Today’s modern trackers connect with your phone and a website (dependent on model), and will allow you to see your progress over a period of time, allowing you to make adjustments where necessary.
Never let chronic pain be the boss of you: If you’re experiencing any kind of pain, whether before, during, or after your workout, or no workout at all, it is important to determine/understand the root of the problem. This is the perfect time to visit your Physical Therapist and speak with them about your symptoms. A Physical Therapist can help you get pain free and identify ways to prevent relapsing.
Strength training isn’t just for the young: Too often our patients in their 60’s and 70’s don’t see themselves lifting weights (appropriate for their level) and getting stronger. It is a misconception that only the young can build muscle and get stronger. Strength training is a great idea for most ages. As with any diet/exercise change, it is important that you speak to your wellness team prior to doing anything new, because having a good plan in place is the best way to prevent injury.

Do your homework: Your Physical Therapist will create a plan and it will include homework for you to complete to continue your path to a healthy life. It’s important to do that homework. Surprisingly, your therapist will be able to tell if you’ve been doing it or not, so stick to the plan!
Never give up: Physical Therapy has the key word physical in it, so there will be some work involved. Don’t worry; your physical therapist is there to work with you to achieve success. It’s important to stay focused on the end goal and work towards it. Giving up only sets you back and prevents you from achieving that healthy life you deserve.

If you are ready to start a journey toward a healthier YOU then don't hesitate to call us at (815)893-8480 or click below to set up an appointment for an evaluation. 

Physical Therapy And Weight Loss
Many people across America struggle with weight, especially in a society where we are constantly bombarded with advertisements for food from fast food, restaurants and food brands at our local super market. It’s easy to fall into bad habits with our nutrition, and if you’re workday is mostly sedentary, weight gain will quickly follow.

Our team works hard daily to help our patients get healthy and weight plays a big role in a person’s overall well being. Our physical therapists can work with you on your journey to lose weight, so be sure to communicate your goals to your PT so you can work on this very important goal together.

Weight Loss Decreases Body Pains
Our bodies are amazing machines that can do so much, but only when we challenge it and keep it in shape. Like anything else, if you neglect it, it can fall into disrepair. In this case, your body will start to react differently depending on how much weight you gain and there might be limitations to what activities you can tolerate.
Some common issues that those overweight might experience include:

• Decreased movement and flexibility
• Decreased endurance for daily activities
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of strength resulting in fatigue
• Hip, knee, ankle, or general joint pain
• Foot pains

Part of any weight loss plan involves changing nutritional habits to allow for the consumption of foods that are better for you. Think fresh! Consider shopping along the borders of the supermarket for things like fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and lean healthy meats, and healthy dairy options (all depending on dietary requirements – it’s important to see your doctor prior to changing your nutrition).

The other part of weight loss is an exercise plan. Movement is important. Your body will thank you for it, and you’ll feel better about it too. Our PT’s can work with you to create an individualized exercise plan that will lead to success. Not only will they help you with the plan, they can show you how to properly exercise and how to prevent injury. Many people assume that physical therapy is just for injuries or post-surgery, but this is not true. PT’s are there to help our patients get the most out of life and live pain free.

If you are currently experiencing pain and would like a professional opinion/assessment please contact us at (815)893-8480 or you can click below to set up a personalized evaluation.