8 Common Physical Therapy Mistakes to Avoid for Faster Recovery

Physical therapy can be challenging, particularly in the early stages of treatment when the gains don’t seem all that obvious. Getting the most out of your therapy requires a strong commitment on your part.

Think of your treatment as a partnership between you and your therapist, whose goal is to see you return to the life you had before your injury or surgery.

Let’s look at some common mistakes that people make during physical therapy – and how you can avoid them.

1. Skipping Your Home Exercise Program at Home

   During treatment, you will likely be visiting your therapist two or three times a week. But those formal sessions are only part of the equation. This is where your therapist tracks your progress and manages the direction of your therapy. But you will also be given a home exercise program that is critical to your success. When therapy doesn’t deliver expected results, it’s often because patients aren’t doing the work at home.

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   You may find it easier to follow your therapist’s instructions by making these exercises part of your daily routine. Set aside a block of time in the mornings or afternoon. Put a daily reminder on your phone and leave your exercise handout somewhere visible, so that you don’t neglect it.

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2. Ignoring Sharp or Sudden Pain

   It is natural to experience discomfort and soreness during and after therapy sessions. This productive discomfort is related to increasing your strength and flexibility. Sudden or sharp pain is a different matter. This is your body’s way of telling you to slow down or stop – and that you may be at risk of a setback. There are limitations to the old adage “no pain, no gain.”

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   Before doing any exercise for the first time, ask your therapist what you should expect in terms of pain or discomfort, and how to identify potential warnings signs.

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3. Failing to Ask Questions or Communicate

   Creating an effective partnership with your therapist requires you to take an active role – more than just doing the exercises you are assigned. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, talk to your therapist. If you wonder why you are being asked to do a particular exercise, ask for details. Open communication will build trust and help relieve any anxiety or fear you may be having.

4. Pushing Too Hard or Rushing Recovery

   Keep in mind that your body needs to heal at its own pace. This is particularly important after surgery, when there may be post-operative restrictions. If you push your therapy too hard – doing more than you are asked to do – there is a chance you can set back your recovery. More is not always better. If you feel like you can push beyond what your therapist is recommending, have a conversation about it.

5. Comparing Your Progress to Others

   No recovery is exactly like another. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your progress with another patient, friend or family member who had the same surgery or injury. Whether it’s a torn rotator cuff, knee replacement or other injury, there are many factors – including age, overall health and injury severity – that affect recovery. Focus on your own milestones and accomplishments.

6. Letting Doubt Affect Your Motivation

   If you are dealing with an injury or condition that involves a lengthy recovery, it can be easy to fall into periods of doubt, where it feels like you will never get better. Just keep in mind that these long recoveries are not linear. There will be good days and bad days. When you have a bad day, that’s the time to talk with your therapist. The feedback can keep you motivated and working toward your long-term goals.

7. Expecting Immediate Results

   Making progress during rehab takes time. If you walk in the door to the clinic for the first time and expect a quick fix, you are likely to be disappointed and easily discouraged. Think of your therapy as a large rock that you are attacking with a small hammer. The goal is to chip away gradually with an eye toward your long-term recovery.

8. Stopping Exercises After Official Physical Therapy Ends

   You are going to be excited when you walk out of the clinic for the final time – your course of therapy complete. Your work, however, is not finished. One of the most common mistakes people make is reverting to a sedentary lifestyle after the formal therapy sessions are over. Reinforce your recovery by staying active and sticking with your home exercise program. This will help you maintain your hard-fought gains and protect yourself against future injury.

This content is not AI generated.