As one year comes to a close and another begins, people begin to set goals and make resolutions.

Losing weight, getting to the gym more often or getting into “better shape” are all common. These all require increasing your amount of physical activity.

More activity is great for your health, energy levels, sleep, and mood.

However, ramping up your activity level too quickly after a holiday season of eating, drinking and being merry can lead to pain, injury and disappointment if your body isn’t ready for it.

Your physical therapist is an expert in human movement, and can help you safely reach your fitness goals.

People think of PTs as the person to see after an injury, but a visit before you change your activity level could prevent injury in the first place. An evaluation by your PT will include:

• A thorough review of your exercise and injury history

• Assessment of your strength

• Range of motion

• Functional movement patterns – think jumping, running, squatting, carrying

Most common injuries from new fitness routines are caused by doing too much too soon or performing exercises that your body is not yet ready to perform.

Physical therapists are also experts in exercise prescription and program design.

Your PT can help you create a routine specific to your needs and goals that will progress appropriately and keep you out of trouble. So stop only thinking of your PT after you’re injured.

In this case, it’s true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Seeing your physical therapist before you start on your resolution can keep you on track, injury free, and help you reach your goals for the new year!

If you are interested in starting a new exercise program for 2020 and want to reduce your chance of injury Karen Litzy Physical Therapy can help. We can create a program tailored to your needs, adjust the program as needed and guide you through to your goals.