Good Days and Bad Days
Something I often remind my patients is throughout life you are going to have good days and bad days. As you’re are going through the healing process, you will begin to have more good days than bad. Some days you will feel strong and capable. Other days you might feel like you are taking a step backward. Both are part of the process.
As a physical therapist, I see this pattern every day. Progress is rarely perfect, and that is completely normal. Your body is constantly adapting, rebuilding, and learning new movement patterns. Some of those changes take time to settle in. When that happens, it can feel like you are stuck or moving slower than you hoped, but that is when real growth is taking place.
I like to think of healing as waves instead of steps. Some waves are big and noticeable, others are small but steady. The important thing is that you keep moving forward. Even when progress feels invisible, your body is still working. Muscles are getting stronger, tissues are repairing, and your nervous system is learning to move with confidence again.
Here are a few simple tips I share with patients who are working through the ups and downs of recovery:
1. Keep a small progress log.
Write down the little wins, such as walking a bit farther or waking up with less stiffness. Seeing those moments on paper helps you realize how far you have come.
2. Listen to your energy levels.
Your body will tell you when it needs rest and when it is ready for more activity. On lower energy days, focus on gentle movement or stretching. On higher energy days, lean into your exercises with more effort.
3. Stay consistent, even when motivation dips.
It is normal to have days when you do not feel like exercising. Doing even a shorter version of your routine helps you maintain progress and builds the habit of showing up for yourself.
4. Be patient with discomfort.
Mild soreness or stiffness often means your body is adapting. Sharp pain, however, is a sign to pause and check in. Learning to tell the difference is key to moving safely.
5. Celebrate the good days.
Healing is as much mental as it is physical. Acknowledging your effort, no matter how small, builds confidence and keeps you focused on the bigger picture.
Patience is one of the hardest parts of recovery. It is also one of the most powerful. When you give yourself permission to heal at your own pace, you remove unnecessary pressure and create space for consistency. Small, steady effort always leads to lasting results.
Every journey looks different. My role is to guide you through it, help you notice the progress you might not see yet, and remind you that slow progress is still progress. Healing is not about perfection. It is about persistence, trust, and care for your body along the way.