An Exercise Log is a practical tool for tracking physiotherapy exercises, making it easier to monitor progress, identify patterns, and stay motivated. This log can be used to provide a structured record of your home exercise program (HEP).
Purpose of a Physio Exercise Log
Using a Physio Exercise Log allows you to:
- Track specific exercises, reps, and progress over time.
- Increase accountability for completing assigned exercises.
- Identify patterns in pain, discomfort, or increased ease during movements.
- Share accurate data with your physiotherapist to adjust and refine your program.
- Measure improvement, making recovery milestones easier to see.
1: Weekly Exercise Log
Exercise | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
1 | |||||||
2 | |||||||
3 | |||||||
4 | |||||||
5 | |||||||
6 |
2: General Exercise Log
Date | Exercise | Sets and Reps | Intensity (kg/Resistance) | Pain Level (0-10) | Comments |
How to Adjust the Log for Different Types of Exercises
- Strength-Based Exercises: Focus on reps, sets, and weight/resistance level.
- Flexibility/Mobility Exercises: Emphasise range of motion, and note any tension or flexibility improvements.
- Endurance Exercises: Track time or distance instead of reps, alongside notes on fatigue or breathlessness.
- Balance or Coordination Exercises: Record difficulty or balance steadiness, such as “wobbly” or “stable”.
Tips for Effective Logging
- Be Consistent: Fill in the log after each session to ensure accurate information.
- Monitor Progress: Review your log weekly to identify patterns or improvements.
- Communicate with Your Physio: Share your log with your physiotherapist during appointments to adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
- Rate Pain and Fatigue: Track how challenging each exercise feels, helping to keep intensity appropriate.
Sample Physio Exercise Log Template
Date | Exercise | Sets & Reps | Intensity (kg/resistance) | Pain Level (0-10) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-10-01 | Heel Raises | 3 x 10 | Body weight | 2 | Slight discomfort in left heel |
2023-10-02 | Clamshells | 3 x 15 | Red resistance band | 3 | Mild glute soreness, improving endurance |
2023-10-03 | Single-leg squats | 3 x 8 | Body weight | 4 | Balance improving, mild knee discomfort |
2023-10-04 | Shoulder external rotation | 3 x 12 | Light dumbbell (1kg) | 1 | Minimal pain, range of motion increasing |
2023-10-05 | Bridge with leg lift | 2 x 10 each | None | 2 | Core stability improving, no pain |
If you have any questions or need guidance, chat with your physiotherapist to ensure you’re on the right track.