How can you tell if your functional training is effective for injury recovery?

1 Assess your pain level

One of the most obvious indicators of your functional training effectiveness is your pain level. Pain is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong or needs attention. If your functional training is causing you more pain or discomfort than before, you may be doing too much, too soon, or too incorrectly. On the other hand, if your functional training is reducing your pain or making it more manageable, you are likely on the right track. However, pain is not always a reliable or accurate measure of your recovery progress, so you should also consider other factors.

2 Monitor your range of motion

Another sign of your functional training effectiveness is your range of motion. Range of motion refers to how much you can move your joints in different directions without pain or restriction. Injuries can often limit your range of motion, making it harder to perform certain tasks or movements. Functional training can help you restore and improve your range of motion by strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your joints. You can monitor your range of motion by comparing it to your uninjured side, using a tape measure, or performing specific tests such as the sit-and-reach.

3 Evaluate your function and performance

The ultimate goal of functional training is to enhance your function and performance in the activities that matter to you. Whether it is walking, running, lifting, playing, or working, functional training should help you do them better and safer. You can evaluate your function and performance by setting realistic and specific goals, tracking your progress, and asking for feedback. For example, you can measure how far or fast you can walk or run, how much weight you can lift or carry, or how well you can perform a skill or task.

4 Adjust your program and intensity

One of the keys to effective functional training is to adjust your program and intensity according to your needs and goals. Functional training is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for someone else may not work for you. You should tailor your functional training to your injury type, severity, stage, and recovery plan. You should also vary your exercises, frequency, duration, and resistance to challenge your body and avoid plateaus. Additionally, you should listen to your body and avoid overtraining or undertraining, which can hinder your recovery.

5 Seek professional guidance

Finally, one of the best ways to tell if your functional training is effective for injury recovery is to seek professional guidance. A qualified and experienced trainer, physiotherapist, or coach can help you design, implement, and evaluate your functional training program. They can also provide you with feedback, advice, and support to ensure you are doing the right things for your recovery. Moreover, they can help you prevent or manage any complications or setbacks that may arise during your functional training journey.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?