The Truth About Rehab: Why You Can’t Rush Recovery
If you’re going through an injury and your Chiropractor or Physiotherapist tells you that your rehab will take at least a few sessions or even months, I completely understand why that might feel frustrating—especially if you’ve never had an injury before. It’s natural to want to feel better as soon as possible, but recovery isn’t something that can be rushed.
Rehab is a process, and there are key factors that determine how long it takes. Here’s what we, as rehab professionals, consider when setting expectations for your recovery timeline.
The severity and type of injury.
Not all injuries are created equal. Consider the difference between a Grade I ankle sprain and a full-thickness Achilles rupture. The former may take just a few weeks to rehab, while the latter could take several months or even a year.
This is largely due to the different tissue types involved—ligaments, tendons, and muscles all have distinct healing timelines. Ligaments, which provide joint stability, heal more slowly due to lower blood supply, whereas muscles tend to regenerate more quickly. Tendons, responsible for transmitting force from muscles to bones, require careful, progressive loading to regain full function.
More severe injuries require more time for healing and progressive loading. If ligaments, tendons, or muscles are significantly damaged, they need time to regenerate and adapt to movement before you can safely return to full activity.
The individual and tissue’s healing rate.
Your body’s ability to heal plays a significant role in your rehab timeline. Factors that can influence this include:
Age – Younger individuals tend to recover faster due to better tissue regeneration.
Overall Health – Conditions like diabetes, circulatory issues, or chronic inflammation can slow healing.
Training History – Someone with a strong foundation in strength and movement may progress faster.
Lifestyle Factors – Sleep, nutrition, stress levels, and daily activity all contribute to how efficiently your body repairs itself.
The goals and demands of the patient.
Your end goal plays a huge role in determining how long rehab will take. If your goal is simply pain relief, your rehab may be relatively short. But if you’re an athlete or an active individual aiming to return to high-level performance, your program will be more intensive and take longer.
The intensity, duration, and progression of your rehab plan will be structured around what you need to do when you return to full activity. Returning to sport requires a higher level of strength, coordination, and resilience compared to simply moving without pain.
Rehab Is Like Strength Training—It Takes Time
Think of rehab like going to the gym to build strength. You wouldn’t expect to see massive results after just one workout. But if you stay consistent over several weeks, you’ll start noticing changes in how you feel and move. After months, you might look back and barely recognize your old self—feeling stronger, more confident, and more capable than before.
Rehab works the same way. It requires patience, consistency, and progression. Small improvements add up over time, and by staying committed to the process, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.
Rehab takes time—but the right plan makes all the difference. Whether you need a short-term plan or a long-term program for full recovery, we’ve got you covered. We offer rehab packages designed to help you move better, get stronger, and stay injury-free. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting results!
