Patience Is A Virtue- Why Proper Exercise Progression Is Key To Your Recovery

Avram Baldoria-PHYSIOTHERAPIST-Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

As a physiotherapist, I often see clients who are eager to recover quickly and push themselves too hard during their rehab exercises. While it may seem like doing more will speed up the recovery process, it’s important to understand why proper progression is key to a successful recovery. 

First and foremost, proper progression ensures that your body is adapting to the demands of the exercises. When you start a new exercise program or increase the intensity of your current program, your body needs time to adjust. If you progress too quickly, your body won’t have time to adapt and you may experience pain or injury. 

In fact, research has shown that doing too much too soon can increase the risk of injury and delay recovery. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that athletes who progressed their training too quickly had a higher risk of injury compared to those who progressed at a slower pace. 

Furthermore, proper progression allows you to build a strong foundation for future progress. By gradually increasing the demands on your body, you’ll build strength, flexibility, and endurance that will allow you to continue to improve over time. 

On the other hand, if you push yourself too hard too soon, you may experience setbacks or even regress in your recovery. This can be frustrating and may prolong your recovery time. 

That’s why it’s important to work with a qualified physiotherapist who can create a personalized exercise program for you and monitor your progress. Your physiotherapist will know when it’s time to progress to the next level of exercises and when it’s best to hold back. 

In addition, you can also be guided on proper technique for each exercise to ensure that you’re getting the most benefit from each movement. This can also help prevent injury and ensure that you’re targeting the right muscles. 

It is important to keep in mind that proper progression with rehab exercises is essential for a successful recovery. By taking the time to gradually increase the demands on your body, you’ll build a strong foundation for future progress and reduce the risk of injury. Remember, patience is key when it comes to rehab– slow and steady wins the race! To know more about how you can get a tailored exercise program at Western Region Health with proper progression and guidance, book a consult with our team physiotherapist. 

References: 

1. McCall A, et al. “Injury risk in international athletics championships: a retrospective analysis of championships between 2009 and 2015.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019; 53(6): 370-376. 
2. Hartigan E, et al. “Clinical decision making in exercise progression and regression for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2015; 10(6): 958-971.