June 23, 2021
Build a bigger cup
So how do we build a bigger cup? Physical therapists can help increase your physical capacity to tolerate activity through exercise. While in the clinic, physical therapists can provide a controlled environment in which patients can explore movements that are sensitive and receive advice from therapists on how to perform these movements with reduced symptoms. This may mean modifying activities in the short-term, learning how to poke into pain (more on this in another post), as well as other interventions to get patients moving again. Therapists can also use manual therapy techniques in the short-term to decrease sensitivities. Keep in mind that manual therapy is simply a conduit in the beginning of rehabilitation to help our body reduce irritants and tolerate more activity in the long-term. 
Once the patient and therapist find movements that the patient feels confident and comfortable performing, the team works together to create a program that is to be performed at home. By initiating a home program, we now add another layer, context, to the movements performed in the clinic. Providing context is exciting because it gives the patient the opportunity to get to doing things they love. By doing the above interventions, we are building a bigger cup to tolerate more activities, stressors, and loads that life brings us.
Ultimately, it is important to keep in mind that the stressors in our lives are not innately bad. The body and mind are strong, resilient, and plastic. What we need are positive ways for us to adapt to this stress. This is where physical therapists can be essential. If you think you're in need of help to build a bigger cup, call Portland Physical Therapy at 207-828-4455 to schedule a consultation.
Author: Brandon Drinan, PT, DPT, CSCS.
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