Exercise Therapy Basics
When Will You See Results?
Realistic Expectations
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 1–2 weeks | Fear of movement begins to decrease |
| 4–6 weeks | Many people start noticing pain reduction |
| 6–12 weeks | Peak improvement — both pain and function show the greatest gains |
| 3 months onward | Maintenance phase — keeping the gains you've made |
Important Points
- Pain may increase slightly in the first 1–2 weeks — this is normal. Your body is adjusting to new activity
- Don't wait for zero pain to start — if you wait until you're pain-free, you may never begin. Work within your comfort range and gradually expand it
- Continuing exercise is essential — research shows that stopping exercise can lead to a return of symptoms within a few months