How often should I go to physiotherapy?

“I thought one or two sessions would fix it…”

That’s what Jason, a 42-year-old software developer, told us when he first came in for chronic shoulder pain. After a couple of sessions, the pain eased—but then it came back, stronger. It wasn’t until we created a personalized treatment plan and spaced out his sessions intentionally that the pain stopped interrupting his workouts (and sleep).

Jason’s story isn’t unique. Many people aren’t sure how often to go to physiotherapy—and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

But there is a smart, evidence-based approach.

Why Frequency Matters in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy isn’t just about reacting to pain—it’s about rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and preventing future injuries. And that takes time, consistency, and the right session cadence based on your specific condition and goals.

Here’s what determines how often you should go:

1. Your Condition Type and Severity

• Acute Injuries (e.g., sprains, recent back strains):
  • Initial phase: 2–3 times per week for the first 2–3 weeks
  • Goal: Reduce inflammation, restore range of motion, begin healing
  • Adjustment: Frequency tapers as symptoms improve
• Chronic Conditions (e.g., arthritis, long-term pain, postural issues):
  • Initial phase: 1–2 times per week
  • Goal: Slow and steady progress with functional goals
  • Adjustment: May continue for months with reassessments
• Post-Surgical Rehab (e.g., ACL repair, rotator cuff surgery):
  • Typical: 2–3 times per week for 6–12 weeks
  • Close monitoring by physiotherapist is crucial
  • Progress is tracked against healing benchmarks

🧠 Commitment & Consistency bias tip: Starting strong helps patients build momentum—and results.

2. Stage of Your Recovery Journey

Think of rehab in phases:

• 🟢 Relief Phase
  Focus: Pain management
  Frequency: Higher (2–3x/week)
  Duration: Short bursts, often 2–4 weeks
• 🟡 Restoration Phase
  Focus: Regain strength, flexibility, range
  Frequency: 1–2x/week
  Duration: 4–8 weeks
• 🔵 Maintenance & Prevention Phase
  Focus: Prevent relapse, build resilience
  Frequency: Bi-weekly or monthly check-ins
  Duration: Ongoing (based on lifestyle goals)

3. Your Personal Goals

Want to get back to sports or workouts fast? More frequent sessions may be necessary.

Just looking to manage pain and function for daily life? Once-a-week visits might be enough.

Are you proactive about your health? Monthly maintenance can help prevent issues altogether.

📌 Authority bias at play: When your physiotherapist explains why a certain frequency works for your body, you’re more likely to stay committed.

How Long Will You Need Physiotherapy?

👀 Keep in mind: You’ll likely feel better before you’re fully healed. That’s when consistency matters most.

What Happens If You Go Too Often or Not Enough?

• Too often: May not give your body time to respond between sessions, leading to fatigue or over-treatment.
• Not often enough: Can stall your recovery or lead to re-injury, especially if home exercises aren’t followed.

So, What’s the Right Answer for You?

The best way to determine how often you should go to physiotherapy is to get a personalized assessment. At your first visit, your physiotherapist will evaluate:

• The root cause of your pain
• Your movement patterns and posture
• Short- and long-term goals
• Your current activity level and lifestyle

From there, you’ll build a plan that adapts as you improve.

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Start strong—more frequent early sessions help reduce pain and build momentum
• ✅ Stick to the plan—consistency (not just intensity) drives real progress
• ✅ Customize—your injury, lifestyle, and goals all affect how often you should go
• ✅ Reassess regularly—your needs may