Do you really need to be doing all those "sexy" exercises you see on TikTok and Instagram?
We've all seen influencers, trainers, and sometimes even physical therapists doing "exercises" that look absolutely insane on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Is all of that really necessary? Do you need to use band, balls, balance aids (think foam or BOSU), and weights at the same time?!
Probably not.
While those posts can look shiny and sexy, they usually aren't necessary. Do you know where you'll get the most bang for your buck?
Consistency with the right exercises, even if they are simple.
Now, we're not saying everyone needs to be doing band work on a table forever. That's taking it too far the other direction. But your exercises should at least somewhat resemble the things you're trying to return to doing without being over the top.
Think about it like this, if you're trying to return to running, you need to consistently incorporate single leg balance activities. If you're a climber, you might need some core work (think plank) with scapular strengthening. Make the exercise resemble the activity. It's as simple as that. No need to use every form of resistance in one exercise.
We bring this up because there is A LOT of bad advice out there on the internet and social media. We get questions about these types things on a frequent basis. So here's our expert advice...
- Find a professional to help guide you through the healing and recovery process after injury or pain with an activity. If you don't already have one, we would be happy to be your professional ;)
- Get prescriptive exercises based on you, your injury, your needs, your activity, etc
- I can't stress this last one enough... BE CONSISTENT with those exercises
Everyone wants to know how to shortcut the healing and recovery process - supplements, ice baths, massage guns, crazy exercises from social media - but the truth is, there's no speeding up physiology and tissue healing. You can only give your body the perfect environment to heal - getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and consistently doing the strengthening and stretching exercises your PT has given you.
If you are dealing with an injury/pain and social media and it's exercises have failed you in coming back from it, give us a call and schedule your evaluation today. Not sure if PT is right for you? Schedule your FREE 15 minute Discovery Visit with one of our PT's to find out more about physical therapy and how we can help!