Physiotherapy sessions serve several important purposes, including injury assessment, hands-on treatment, rehabilitation, and strengthening exercises. Life happens, and occasionally, you may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. However, repeatedly skipping sessions or leaving long gaps between visits can have more consequences than you might realise.
In this article, we explain what can happen to your recovery, pain levels, and long-term function if you miss physiotherapy sessions.
1. Delayed Recovery
Physiotherapy involves consistent, progressive loading of an injured area, with an increase in loading or difficulty as your body recovers.
You may notice your first exercises, which have become “easy”, don’t have the same effect they used to!
It’s critical to review with your physiotherapist and progress your rehabilitation to support healing and continue making progress.
2. Exacerbation of Pain or Injury
Pain or injury often occurs due to underlying “contributing factors” (such as weakness in a surrounding muscle). Even if your pain has settled and your injury is feeling better, the underlying factors may not have been completely restored.
When you miss a follow-up session, this may increase the risk of pain flare-ups or recurrence of an injury when you return to your activity or sport.
3. Compensatory or Poor Movement Habits
Your body is smart and often adapts movements to “protect” a sore or injured region. If not corrected, this can cause pain or injury elsewhere (e.g., developing neck soreness after a shoulder injury).
Correct rehabilitation guidance and movement retraining can prevent this and eliminate future problems from arising after an injury.
4. Mental Setbacks
Setbacks or roadblocks in your recovery can be demotivating, frustrating, and painful! This can create a loss of confidence or increase fear of returning to activity.
Consistently checking in with your physiotherapist for testing, feedback, and graded progressions in your return can keep you motivated and confident in the process.
Don’t Skip Your Recovery
It’s important to discuss your injury and circumstances with your physiotherapist. That way, you can immediately establish a treatment plan, including the likely timeframe and number of sessions needed to return to pain-free activity.
Consistency is your shortcut to a faster recovery. Whether you need to reschedule or start fresh, our Complete Balance Physiotherapy team is ready to support your return to peak performance.
Call 03 9317 3992 or send us a message to secure your next session.
