Why Treatment Timeframes Matter
It’s common to hope that one or two appointments will be enough to “fix” aches or pains — especially when discomfort is interfering with daily life. But meaningful, lasting recovery takes time, consistency, and the right plan. That’s where treatment timeframes come in.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY TREATMENT TIMEFRAMES?
A treatment timeframe is a structured plan that outlines how often and how long you may need physiotherapy or exercise-based care to reach your goals. It’s not about scheduling extra sessions — it’s designed around your body’s healing process, addressing contributing factors, and the type of pain you’re experiencing.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND RECOVERY?
Every body heals differently, and knowing what is happening at each stage of recovery can help you understand why keeping up with physiotherapy really makes a difference.
Phase 1: Inflammation (0-5 days)
This is the body’s initial response to injury or tissue stress.
Goal: protect the muscles and/or joints, and set up for repair.
Symptoms: redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and reduced function.
Key considerations: gentle movement if tolerated, managing pain and inflammation, avoiding further tissue damage.
Phase 2: Proliferation and Repair (5 days – 3 weeks)
Your body lays down new tissue to repair the injury.
Goals: start restoring function and building strength in the healing tissue.
Symptoms: pain may reduce, your muscles and joints may feel tender or stiff.
Key considerations: gradual loading, controlled movement, early strengthening and mobility exercises, avoiding excessive strain.
Phase 3: Remodelling (3 weeks – 12+ weeks)
Your tissue starts to strengthens and scar tissue becomes more organised.
Goals: restore full strength, flexibility, and function.
Symptoms: minimal pain, your muscles may feel tight or weak if underused.
Key considerations: progressive loading, functional exercises, sport or activity-specific training, preventing re-injury.
Phase 4: Return to activity
Gradual return to exercise, or sport once your muscles and joints can tolerate the required loads.
Focus: endurance, coordination, and strength in real-life or sport-specific movements.
WHY ONE OR TWO SESSIONS AREN’T ENOUGH
The first appointment usually focuses on understanding the root cause of your symptoms, reducing pain, and creating a plan. Follow-up sessions build strength, improve coordination, and restore endurance so you can return to daily activities and maintain function.
If sessions are spaced too far apart or stop too soon, especially during pregnancy when your body is changing rapidly, it does not get the consistent stimulus it needs to adapt. This can lead to slower progress, recurring aches, or frustration when everyday movements start feeling difficult again.
THE POWER OF CONSISTENCY
Just like learning a new skill or getting stronger, your recovery improves with consistent effort. Regular physiotherapy lets us check in, make adjustments, and progress your program so you keep moving forward. It is not about being in treatment forever — it is about building momentum so you feel confident, independent, and able to get back to the things you enjoy.
These strategies give you the tools to take care of yourself day to day, helping you move more comfortably, stay active, and feel confident in your body long after your physiotherapy sessions. If you are dealing with persistent aches or pains, booking a structured physiotherapy plan can help you recover safely and confidently.
Let’s get you moving comfortably again — book a session
