Tips for Maximizing Your Recovery
In the first blog in this series, we assured readers that full functional recovery is almost always a possibility after any traumatic brain injury. We also dispelled the myth that there’s a limited period of time during which you can expect to restore function. Let’s look now at some of the things you should do (as well as some of the things you shouldn’t) to maximize your chances of a full recovery after a traumatic brain injury.
Tips for Maximizing Your Medical Improvement
One of the most important steps in restoring full physical and mental function after a TBI is what medical professionals call “engaging neuroplasticity.” Neuroplasticity is essentially your brain’s internal wiring. It determines the neural pathways you use to process information and perform basic or complex tasks. The simplest way to “engage neuroplasticity” is to repeatedly perform functions or tasks. At first, those may be very simple, such as picking up your feet and putting one in front of the other. The effect, however, can be cumulative, as the ability to complete more complex tasks often depends on the ability to perform simple ones.
It’s important, though that you “practice” the performance of tasks correctly. You don’t want to repeatedly do things the wrong way, or you’ll build new neural pathways to do just that.
It’s important to work closely with medical professionals, such as physical therapists and occupational therapists, if you want to maximize your recovery. But you shouldn’t expect maximum effect if you only do the exercises when you visit your physical therapist. To get the most out of your treatment, plan to take the exercises you’ve learned from the physical therapist and do them at home.
Expect that you’ll see some improvement, but periodically hit “plateaus.” The patients who see the fullest recovery are those who have the ability to push through those plateaus. Sometimes, it can take weeks or even months, but you need to stick with your exercises and continue to engage your neuroplasticity. In time, you should expect to see progress again.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.