As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I am constantly preaching to my clients (and everyone else for that matter) that I want to “improve their function”, but I’ve come to realize that few people understand what I actually mean when I say this.
So let’s start from square one and figure out what “function” is and what does it mean to function well.
To function is literally defined as to work or operate in a proper or particular way. From the cellular level inside your body to the grand scheme of your life’s work, we want your body to work properly – efficiently, effectively, and without causing you limitation. So why do we use such a vague word to describe what we want to improve? Well, each person’s individual desired function is completely different. For one individual, function may mean being able to perform their work duties day in and day out. For another, it may mean being able to exercise regularly or participating in extravagant hobbies. And for another, function may be as simple as being able to get out of bed and get dressed on their own. The list of possibilities is truly endless.
The great part about “function” is it can be defined by each individual client AND it can always be improved! I have yet to meet an individual whose function has reached the limits of progress since there are always ways to be better, to learn a new activity, to take on a new hobby, or to make your body work in a healthier and more efficient manner for you.
Functioning well in your life (whatever that is for you) means performing your day-to-day activities without pain or limitation. It means never saying I’m too old, too out-of-shape, too far gone to get better at something or take on a new activity. It means not accepting that your aches and pains have to limit your ability to work, run, lift, jump, play with your kids, sleep. It means improving the quality of your time here on the earth, because when we get down to it, that time is all we really have. Life is too short to not be living well so if you are feeling limited by your aches, your pains, your insecurities in your body’s abilities, come find out how Life Changes Physical Therapy can get you more functional!