​​Starting Your Rehab Journey is a Great First Step – But Following Up is What Ensures Success

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Beginning physiotherapy is a powerful step towards recovery. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, pain, or post-surgery rehabilitation, simply starting the process shows commitment to your health. But here’s the truth: getting started is only the first step. What makes the real difference is the follow-through.

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Why Follow-Ups Matter

 

Rehabilitation isn’t a “set and forget” process. Your body is constantly adapting, and recovery requires the right guidance at the right time. Regular follow-ups give us the opportunity to:

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• Monitor your progress – We can see how your body is responding and make adjustments.

• Ensure safety – Exercises done incorrectly can slow recovery or even cause setbacks.

• Tailor your programme – We adapt your plan based on your unique progress and needs.

• Add hands-on treatment – Techniques that reduce pain and improve mobility can be introduced when most effective.

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In fact, around 80% of patients at their first follow-up aren’t performing their exercises correctly. That’s not a reflection of effort—it’s just reality. Without feedback, it’s easy for technique to drift, which is one of the main reasons rehab fails so many people.

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The Evidence is Clear

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Research consistently shows that patients who stay engaged in their rehab recover faster, achieve better outcomes, and maintain long-term function:

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• A study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2017) found that adherence to physiotherapy home exercise programmes was strongly linked to better pain reduction, improved function, and faster recovery times (Jack et al., 2017).

• Evidence from Clinical Rehabilitation (2010) highlighted that poor adherence is one of the strongest predictors of unsuccessful rehabilitation outcomes (Meichenbaum & Turk, 2010).

• Research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2018) further emphasised that supervision and regular feedback are critical in ensuring correct exercise performance and maximising results (Arundale et al., 2018).

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On the other hand, missing follow-ups is one of the most common reasons recovery stalls. Without regular check-ins, patients often:

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• Struggle with recurring symptoms

• Experience slower improvement

• Lose motivation and consistency

 

Simply put, accountability and guidance are what keep progress moving forward.

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Overcoming Barriers: Cost and Time

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We completely understand that life can make follow-ups feel challenging. Cost, time, and busy schedules are real barriers. That’s why we’re committed to making your sessions:

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• Efficient and effective – You’ll leave with clear priorities, knowing exactly what matters most between visits.

• Practical – We’ll space your appointments in a way that balances steady progress with your availability.

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Your next appointment doesn’t need to be a huge commitment. Even one check-in to review your exercises and add treatments can make a big difference. Think of it as an investment in momentum—helping you keep moving towards recovery rather than slipping backwards.

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Take the Next Step

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You’ve already made the hardest move: starting. Now, let’s build on that progress together.​​ Book your follow-up appointment here;

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Prefer to talk it through? Call us on 01949 485084 and we’ll help you find the best option for your schedule.

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References

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• Jack K, McLean SM, Moffett JK, Gardiner E. Barriers to treatment adherence in physiotherapy outpatient clinics: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2017;18(1):155.

• Meichenbaum D, Turk DC. Facilitating treatment adherence: A practitioner’s guidebook. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2010;24(4):341–355.

• Arundale AJH, Bizzini M, Giordano A, Hewett TE, Logerstedt D, Snyder-Mackler L. Exercise-based knee and anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(13):826–832.

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