Patient recovery, whether from an injury or surgery, follows a path similar to that of an exponential curve from a distant view. Relatively flat starting out and stays flat for some time before starting to make an upward movement.  Once that upward movement starts that movement starts to accelerate.




However, when you zoom into the graph you’ll see your recovery is very up and down.

 

Using the stock market graph as an example is if you zoom into the past day, week, month or year. You’ll see up and down movements of the graph. However over the life of the graph you’ll see one relatively consistent curve.

 

 

While there are some dips and peaks, the graph is consistently improving with those in there. Recovery from an injury or surgery is going to be a journey with good days and bad days. Less pain and more pain. Improvement in ROM and strength and setbacks in ROM and strength. 

 

While I do believe most therapists want you to improve to the best of your ability as fast as you can get there, there will be improvements, setbacks, peaks and valleys.