When companies that operate in big industries like financial services and pharmaceuticals want to update their business models, streamline their market approach or launch a new commercial product, they often turn to the expertise of consultants. These experts have vast knowledge to help companies solve problems and achieve their goals. Did you know there’s such an expert that can help you manage pain, reach your fitness goals and prepare to try a new activity safely?

Meet us, the Doctors of Physical Therapy, the DPTs (sounds like a new Marvel Netflix series of heroes).  Think of your DPT as a movement consultant, trained to help you build the strength, endurance and flexibility needed to attain your goals. A common misconception is that DPTs are only trained to help clients improve their performance in the sports and leisure activities that they already participate in. But wait, there’s more: DPTs can educate clients who are interested in pursuing activities that they’ve never tried before, too. Let’s say you’ve always been a casual bike rider but want to train to run a 5K road race, where do you start?

At Greensboro Physical Therapy, our DPTs have the right training  and background to help you reach new goals.  Here are three ways to maximize your rehab sessions:

1. Know what you’re aiming for. Having a clear idea of your goal or goals—before going to that first PT appointment—will ensure that you can communicate exactly what you’re looking to achieve. Take the time to jot down some ideas for the future as well as goals you’ve attained in the past so you can jump start the conversation with your DPT.

2. Listen to your limitations—and your DPT. Of equal importance to communicating your wants and needs is taking the time to listen closely to what we might say.  We work hard and trained specifically to assess your body’s signals and then use that information to identify injuries in the making and uncover weaknesses and limitations that could prevent you from reaching your goals.

3. Be prepared to take it one step at a time. Our DPTs will work with you to establish an appropriate timeline to achieving your goals. For example, it’s unlikely that you’ll be ready to keep up with your best friend and avid runner at the town 5K the following weekend. However, your DPT can help modify your approach so you can still participate, even if you aren’t ready to run the entire distance.

These three steps will help your DPT design a customized exercise program that suits all of your needs and gets you to the finish line quickly—and safely.