Home exercises are one of the most critical components of successful physical therapy. Research shows that patients who follow a regular home exercise routine recover up to 50% faster than those who don’t. On the flip side, neglecting prescribed home exercises can significantly undermine the effectiveness of treatment.
In short, doing the right exercises consistently at home plays a vital role in the physical rehabilitation process.
Why Supportive Home Exercises Are Essential
Typical physical therapy sessions last between 40 to 60 minutes, and while these sessions provide substantial benefits, they alone are not enough. If not supported by patient-driven home rehabilitation exercises, their long-term effectiveness diminishes.
Let’s say you’re receiving treatment for lower back pain. Your doctor or physiotherapist may prescribe specific home workouts to strengthen your core muscles and prevent the pain from returning. If you skip these exercises, there’s a high chance the pain will resurface, and you’ll find yourself back in the clinic.
Is Exercise a Form of Medicine?
Yes—“Exercise is medicine.” In therapeutic terms, home-based exercises function like medication. Issues such as nerve compression, muscle weakness, and limited mobility can be managed and improved through the right movements.
It’s important to note that physical therapy exercises differ significantly from fitness routines. They are carefully designed to be low-risk and gentle—ensuring safe rehabilitation at home. As a doctor using MoovBuddy puts it:
“Just like medication is taken regularly in measured doses, home exercises should also be performed consistently and in the right amounts.”
Common Excuses for Skipping Home Workouts
Despite all these benefits, many patients still fail to maintain a regular exercise routine. Here are the most common excuses:
- “I’m too busy with work or family.”
- “I don’t have enough time.”
- “I get bored during exercise.”
- “It hurts when I move.”
- “I’m too tired.”
- “I forget to do them.”
Most of these excuses are changeable habits, not permanent limitations. Studies show it takes 21 days to build an exercise habit. After this, the body begins to release serotonin, the “happiness hormone,” during exercise. As a result, pain, boredom, and fatigue become far less of a barrier over time.
The Importance of Tracking Home Exercise Progress
Many patients struggle to follow exercises presented via pamphlets or verbal instructions. It’s easy to forget steps or perform the movements incorrectly. Without guidance and accountability, patients often lose motivation or perform the routines ineffectively.
What’s more, it’s nearly impossible for healthcare providers to track whether patients are actually completing these exercises when only traditional methods are used.
How MoovBuddy Solves These Challenges
MoovBuddy offers a powerful solution to all these home exercise problems. Instead of relying on printed illustrations or hard-to-follow descriptions, patients can watch expert-guided video workouts that demonstrate each move clearly.
With MoovBuddy, you can:
- Perform exercises correctly with visual guidance
- Follow personalized home workout programs
- Track your progress for visible, data-backed results
- Share your tailored exercise plan with your doctor or physiotherapist
✅ Looking for a rehab solution you’ll actually stick with?
✅ Want your doctor to create a plan just for you?
Tell them about MoovBuddy today and take control of your healing journey.
This article was prepared with the contribution of Physiotherapy Intern Berfin Gizem Şahin for Moovbuddy.com.