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The Importance of Home Exercise Compliance

by Clinton Boone, PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN48 Comments

Home exercises are usually given to patients at their first physical therapy visit and updated throughout the course of care. They are provided to reinforce what is completed during each visit and to eventually support the transition to independent management of the condition. Throughout the course of treatment, these exercises are checked frequently by the therapist for proper form and progression.

What is important to note, however, is that home exercises require compliance from the patient away from physical therapy. While some patients may not be familiar with exercising at home, others have very busy lives and struggle to find even a few free minutes. Nevertheless, home exercises are the foundation of an overall successful physical therapy program.

There are numerous benefits for patients to regularly complete the home exercise program prescribed by their physical therapist, including:

You can achieve more at physical therapy sessions.

  • Working on the foundational exercises at home, allows a greater opportunity to dive into more advanced therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, etc., during a physical therapy session.
  • Home exercises can improve a patient’s muscle memory, especially when it comes to new exercises.

You may be able to regain function sooner and relieve pain quicker.

  • Patients that regularly perform their home exercises are likely able to achieve more during their duration of physical therapy treatment.
  • Regular home exercise compliance can help stave off potential “setbacks” during the course of care.

A home exercise program is sometimes the beginning of a new active lifestyle.

  • In my experience as a physical therapist, I have noticed patients that were seldom active prior to beginning physical therapy experience the first-hand benefits of exercise, which leaves them wanting to continue an active lifestyle after discharge. Additionally, after seeing how easy it is to incorporate exercises at home, some patients want to learn new exercises they can perform at home or a gym.

Home exercises continued after discharge may help avoid reoccurrence of the condition.

  • After a successful round of physical therapy, a patient may end up returning months or years later with similar complaints. In these instances, the patient may have abandoned their home exercises. Maintaining compliance with a home exercise program can help keep the original problem at bay.

Home exercises can lead to permanent, positive habits.

  • For example, an exercise that is performed to improve posture may eventually become second-nature for a patient. In turn, the patient will have improved posture from simply performing their home exercises.

Home exercises may feel uncomfortable, especially if the exercises are new. However, patients should feel confident that their therapist will ensure they are using proper form before sending them home with an exercise program. That said, it is important to keep in mind that the exercises should not be painful. If there are ever questions about the home exercise program, patients should not hesitate to talk to their physical therapist. He or she can tailor the exercises around each patient’s individual needs or concerns to ensure success.

As stated before, home exercises are the cornerstone of a successful physical therapy program.  Home exercises can reduce the likelihood of setbacks in physical therapy and can sometimes be the beginning of a brand new active lifestyle. Ultimately, home exercises can help patients make the most of their time at physical therapy and beyond.

The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.

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Clinton Boone is a physical therapist who enjoys treating various orthopedic conditions and vestibular disorders. Clint enjoys spending time with family, lifting weights, and running in his spare time – having just completed the Chicago Marathon in 2022. Clint works and lives in Manhattan, IL, and loves treating members of his local community. He can be reached at clinton.boone@athletico.com if you have any questions or comments.

Read more health resources related to these topics:

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48 Comments

  1. Sherry Gajos

    I liked what you said about how working on foundational exercises at home will allow you to dive into more advanced therapeutic exercises during therapy. My friend just got into a car accident and will be doing physical therapy at home to help her recover, so I want to do what I can to support her. Thank you for the information about how supporting her in the home exercises will help improve her muscle memory.

  4. Valeria Hopson

    This journey that I’m on has been two years exactly next month. I had surgery in July for this problem. It has been a process for me. I’m having some issues after the surgery that I was not before the surgery. Though frustrating I have experienced that the PT is making an impact. I’m working at home because it is vital for me to perform at my optimal.

  6. Marilyn

    Katie~
    You are such a joy to work with. I so appreciate your professionalism and caring demeanor. You’ve given me hope that PT will help me avoid surgery for my condition. (Fingers crossed.) 🙂

  7. Sandra

    I didn’t think I needed PT after rotator cuff surgery but now that I’m in PT I’m so grateful for Jessica with Athletico for working with me I already see a big improvement! 😊

  8. Don Thomas

    The staff are spectacular and Craig you are a ray of hope and very professional . I have a ways to go and trust and count on you to help me to the finish line.

  9. Elbert ESCHMAN

    After spending one week with this program, I am encouraged that I can complete the program. I have been suffering with two ruptured disc in my lower back that has made it difficult for me to get around. My hope is that after finishing my therapy that I can return to playing golf this spring and many other activities. And get ride of my cane.

  10. Terry Gerhardt

    Thankyou Athletico. I’ve been thru impatient PT at local hospital after my surgery 5 months post op I am… I’m so confident in your professional staff and enjoy looking forward to each appointment!

  11. Marlene Palicz

    Appreciate the professional and attentive care in the therapy sessions. Looking forward to continuing improvement and progress.

  12. Sara Winingear

    I like the progression I have experienced. I feel like I’m moving towards recovery. Thanks for all the support and challenges.

  13. Sally Rodriguez

    Only met with them a few time’s but very good at what they do can’t wait to totally get the okay to go back to work soon I believe thanks

  16. Patricia Logan

    It was my third visit with Tyson Handsaker this week and I feel he does a terrific
    job. My back and foot is getting better I think at least today I could walk on it without
    limping. Still feels a little tender and sore but by doing the exercises he gave me to do
    at home keeps the process going. So the more I do the better my back and foot feel.
    Hoping I can get back to work next week.
    So thank you for the job he is doing.

  17. Allie Benson

    The atmosphere is very professional and friendly! I am glad I do my PT here!
    The results are showing after 5 visits!

  20. Richard A. Hainke

    This is my 3rd visit with Alan at the Lincolnwood location and he is terrific. Makes sure you understand the exercise and helps a great deal if you are having difficulty.

  21. Mary P Lee

    My therapist gave me the exercise to keep my hand moving forward so I can achieve my goals. Sometimes it hard to get my exercise in. I know that movement makes it easier for me.

  22. Vivian Brown

    First of all it did not take long for me to get an appointment. They greeted me with a smile Vanessa, Lucy, Melissa, and Joseph very professional very attentive good at their job takes time to talk to you and explain each exercise I am so glad that I was referred there, this is my second week and I’m feeling better already that speaks volume keep the good work up thank you for everything that you all do God bless you all.

  24. Dee Dalton-Green

    I’m very pleased with my therapy process. The girls are great!-knowledgeable, caring, and very personable.

  25. Sharon Simmons

    I appreciate all of the Marion Athletico therapy team. They are very professional and very kind. i feel as though I am improving after every session. I know I have a long way to go to get where I want to be but I think I’m headed in the right direction.

  26. Sue Pacheco

    John, is a very well educated therapist and has chosen the right techniques for me to follow at home as well as during our session. He has taught me why something should be working and why it has not. He has adjusted my therapy to me my needs. Athletico is a wonderful therapy clinic. Thank you, Athletic.

  28. Greg Ryan

    I am relatively an active person.
    However, I spend to much time behind the steering wheel. I don’t walk enough anymore. Age is a factor with me.
    Early this year I fell and broke a bone in my left ankle. Bad habits now have become a problem. Doing the right exercises to strengthen the muscles is crucial in a successful recovery. Athletico is a very important part of my recovery because of their knowledge. Home exercise routines and their physical therapy is what I need.
    I am thankful for their help in my recovery

  29. Robert Bryan

    Rabab Shah PT is very encouraging and motivating. She shows she is interested in you getting better and going on to a more productive life. It is a wonderful pleasure working with her.
    She is a valuable asset to your team.

  32. Edinson Monzón

    Excelente atención, y excelente servicio me he recuperado de una forma tan rápida, agradezco por la oportunidad, Dios les bendiga

  33. Renee

    Hannah is very supportive
    She explains the benefits of the therapy she has shown me and very attentive.

  34. Norman Starr

    I agree! As an 82 year old caretaker, of my disabled Spouse and the father of both a PT Daughter and a Nurse Daughter, I am very aware of the importance of my own follow-up to the recovery program that has been mapped out for me by Karli Rockford and her assistant, Amy Cap. I am grateful for their dedication and their manner of working with me in the Papillion NE Clinic. They both are greatly apreciatted

  35. Sandra Taylor

    The technician who has been helping me is doing a great job. I work out everyday to get better. Athelico is a great place to go. I feel I am going to get better each time I go.

  37. Don Hauschild

    Did my 3rd visit today. Bob is very professional and does a great job in getting me better. I feel better every time I leave with a positive attitude that we are on the same path for recovery.

  38. Mary P.

    I saw Matthew today. He is very knowledgeable and when I asked him if he was familiar with a procedure called needling he was. A friend recently told me she had it for a cramp she had in her shoulders. I was confindent that Matthew knew how to do it and when I asked him about it, he said he was familiar with it and had been doing it. Usually they start with regular PT which I have been doing, but he said it would do it for me and he did. I was very impressed at the relief I obtained with just one session. He said it could take several more. I am not totally relieved of the cramping, but it is 50% better. I will definitely get 2 or 3 more sessions of it. Problem is Medicare usually does not pay for it, but it is worth it to me. Everyone here is fantastic! So happy I was referred to Athletico.

  39. Laura Hogan

    I have been to several physical therapy centers and Athletico is by far the best! Therapists are very knowledgeable and thorough and never push you too far! This is my second therapy experience with Athletico and I can truthfully say they are awesome!!

  40. Michael Schaaf

    Athletico in Tinley park is Great. Alyssa Williams professional is doing things that Loyola therapy didn’t do. She’s doing awesome.

  41. Claretta Ellitt

    My Physical Therapy Instructor Jessica Johnson is very knowledgeable and patient which is very beneficial to my recovery.

  43. Larry Testa

    My therapist is very professional and very kind. i feel as though I am improving after every session. I know I have a long way to go to get where I want to be but I think I’m headed in the right direction.

  44. Gigi

    My therapist “Arjun” is very patient, professional, and a great listener. He understands the pain and fear that I have and he’s really considerate. I walked in scared to death about what could be an unpleasant outcome but Arjun assured me that with hard work and consistency this could be a win/win in the end. I’m more relaxed now and look forward to healing.
    Thank you Arjun!

  46. Jeanette Hescheles

    I have been to two sessions with Tom. I would appreciate sending me what exercises I should do at home.
    Thank you.

  47. Lori J Brandon

    I have been doing my home exercises as prescribed by the hospital. I feel very stiff in my knee before I start them, and by the end, I feel better. I had total knee replacement. Between my office therapy, my motion is less with my at home exercises. It has only been a week since my replacement. I know it will get better, but I sometimes get frustrated between sessions when I am unable to do something. I am trying to keep a positive attitude and faithfully do my exercises. I am praying the pain gets better and I have success.

  48. Ron Filipowicz

    I am going to the LS clinic and am really impressed with the whole experience. Reese and staff from the front desk forward have been fantastic. I ran a golf course for over 30 years and understand staff issues and coordination. It seems like there is a noticeable staff coordination
    and togetherness. I am in for hip
    and back issues and have improved
    greatly with the home exercise
    and meetings with Reese. My fear
    of having hip surgery has been replaced by easing of the pain with a few exercises.

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