Propel Fitness Journal, Issue 010
Today, we’re talking about something we shouldn’t have to…
Red Flags.
After 15 years in the health & fitness industry, I’ve seen it all — from treatments that don’t deliver to professionals who don’t have your best interests in mind.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just trying to improve your health, it’s important to recognize when something’s not right in your rehab journey.
Here are my top 5 red flags to look out for, so you can avoid wasting your hard-earned dollars on ineffective treatments.
1. No Testing = No Clue
If your sessions don’t include any testing — this could include assessments of range of motion, strength, pain, or other objective measurements — you’re in the wrong place.
How can your rehab professional know what’s actually going on with your body if they’re not taking the time to assess your condition? No baseline = no targeted plan.
Without testing, you’re just left guessing.
2. Spending Most of the Appointment with a Tech (PTA)
If the majority of your session is spent with a physiotherapy assistant (PTA) instead of a licensed professional, that’s another red flag. PTAs are not the ones trained to assess, diagnose, or adapt your program based on progress.
A good rehab session should have a skilled professional guiding you through the process — not just someone working through a generic routine because the professional overfilled their schedule.
3. The “Magic” Treatments: IFC, Ultrasound, Laser, etc.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hyper of “passive modality” treatments — ultimately they do provide short-term relief. But these things will not get you stronger, or build up confidence with movement. They also won’t address the root cause of your pain or dysfunction.
Don’t fall for the illusion that these quick fixes will do the job.
P.S. This also includes acupuncture, shockwave therapy, manual therapy — if you are being told that these things take precedence OVER a movement-based approach, run.
4. Takes Forever to Hear Back from Your Professional
If it takes days — or even weeks — to hear back from your physiotherapist, coach, or rehab professional, that’s a major red flag. Communication is a key part of effective rehab, particularly when symptoms and timelines are always changing. Timely feedback helps you adjust your plan and stay on track.
If they’re slow to respond, they’re likely juggling too many clients, or they simply don’t value your time.
Find someone who’s present and responsive.
5. The Same Exercises, Over and Over Again
Rehab isn’t about doing the same exercises week after week and hoping for change. If you’re not seeing any progression in your program, it’s time to reconsider your treatment plan.
Sticking to the same exercises without any variation or challenge won’t push your body to adapt.
Your rehab plan should evolve as you make progress, addressing weaknesses, mobility issues, and strength imbalances.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to your rehab journey, you shouldn’t be settling for anything less than exceptional. You deserve a plan that’s personalized, responsive, and most importantly, effective.
By recognizing these red flags, you can make smarter choices, save time, and get back to doing what you love sooner.
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who might be struggling with their injury rehab process. We’re all in this together.
– Dan
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Want help with your own comeback? Work with me.