When rehabilitating from an injury, it is important to have a rehabilitation goal.
In our experience having a specific goal to work towards makes the rehabilitation, or performance, process more effective. It helps define a target for both the patient and therapist to work towards. A more specific destination, allows for a more direct path to be taken to reach it.
Along the “pain to performance pathway”, there will be moments where the relevance of a necessary treatment or exercise may not be obvious to the client. As physiotherapists and Pilates instructors, we find that understanding the client’s goal allows us to explain the rationale behind the treatment direction. Having a common understanding and open dialogue ensures that everyone is on the same page, and working towards the same goal. This results in faster rehabilitation, and a more satisfying experience for both parties.
What do you really want?
Goals are also important for establishing the level of ability that needs to be achieved. For example, the amount of rehabilitation following an ankle sprain will differ depending on whether the goal is daily incidental walking or competitive beach volleyball.
Beyond improving the communication between the therapist and patient, goal-setting provides something else that can be of even greater importance along the “pain to performance pathway”: intrapersonal benefits. Defining a goal and attaching meaning to that goal can be a powerful motivator. A meaningful goal can help motivate you to persist through the tough periods when the drive to continue is low.
Do you know SMART?
A common strategy for goal-setting involves the use of the SMART goal method. Using this method can be very helpful when setting a rehabilitation goal.
SMART goals are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Time-frame Oriented
(Note- the above can vary slightly)
The Body Refinery’s physiotherapists and Pilates instructors can be very helpful in assisting you to define a goal. However, to receive the full benefits from the rehabilitation process, it is important to remember that you need to be working toward your own goal.
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Start your journey at The Body Refinery by booking your initial appointment today on 07 3358 3915 or at info@thebodyrefinery.com.au.
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