Why rehab from an injury often isn’t linear

by Daniel Heazlewood-Ross

​In a perfect world following an injury we would simply gradually get better and better and better until we are fully recovered.
 
Unfortunately, as any health professional will tell you this is not always the case. The road to recovery is often a bumpy ride with a few ups and downs. Interestingly this “bumpy ride” is not limited to recovery from physical injuries. We also find it is often the case in recoveries from emotional conditions as well - such as recovering from trauma, addiction, eating disorders and psychological disorders.

So why are there so many bumps in the road? And what can you actually do to make the ride as smooth as possible?

​What we know is that an injury and the pain experience that goes along with is incredibly complex and often multifactorial. How you experience pain and injury is specific to you – your body, your past experience, your expectations, your genetics, your mood, your diet, your sleeping patterns and probably a half dozen other little factors specific to you.

Now some people and some injuries do just get better and better until the injury resolves and that’s great.
 
But what if that’s not the case? One of the most important aspects of being a physiotherapist is being there when things don’t go in a perfect straight line. Sometimes the reason you’ve had a setback is quite obvious, other times it is a little more subtle. I find myself having this conversation regularly in clinic with people who are recovering from an injury who have had a little set back. Sometimes the biggest thing we need from our health professionals is reassurance. When set backs happen, some of the key points I routinely tell my patients are:

1. It is very common to have these ups and downs – whilst it can be disheartening to have a step backwards it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is something wrong or you’ve done any damage.
2. Trust the process. It’s so important that you work with your health provider rather than expect THEM to “work on you”. We are here to help facilitate the rehabilitation as a team.
3. Be consistent. Rehabilitation takes work. Consistent work. It’s not about having one ridiculously hard rehab session per week - it’s about turning up time and time again. That’s where the real gains are won.
4. Do the simple things. I know it seems overly basic and maybe not very exciting but if you can try and be positive, move well, eat well and sleep well it will go a long way.
5. Knowledge is power. I encourage patients to ask questions and make a point of educating clients so that they understand what’s happening and what we are doing together to achieve their goals.

 
As a physiotherapist who’s had my fair share of injuries I know how frustrating and disheartening a set back can be in the rehab process. Find a health provider that listens to you and your story and works with you to achieve your goals.

If you're currently going through a complex rehab from injury or surgery please don't hesitate to reach out! Our Tarragindi Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology team would love to work with you to get you back to where you want to be.
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​You can book online here, email us at info@articulatephysiotherapy.com.au or give us a call on 07 3706 3407.