How to Implement Periodization in Rehabilitation
At PhysioPM, your trusted physiotherapy clinic in Townsville, we’re committed to helping clients return to movement safely and effectively. One concept that can elevate rehab outcomes—whether you’re recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic pain—is periodization.
Originally a tool used in athletic training, periodization in rehab means planning your recovery to maximise progress and minimise setbacks. Let’s explore how we use it at PhysioPM Townsville.
What is Periodization?
In simple terms, periodization is the strategic planning of your rehab to meet specific goals—such as restoring strength, improving mobility, or returning to sport. It helps avoid overtraining, manage symptoms, and deliver results.
At PhysioPM, we use two main approaches:
Concurrent periodization
Phasic periodization
Concurrent Periodization in Rehab
This method involves working on multiple aspects of rehab—like strength, mobility, and endurance—all at once. It’s a great approach when your body can tolerate that level of demand without flaring up symptoms.
Example: A young athlete in Townsville with Achilles tendinopathy who experiences pain halfway through a basketball game. Since they’re still able to participate in sport, we can work on all aspects—strength, range of motion, and endurance—concurrently.
We also apply this method with older adults at our Townsville clinic. Loss of power and balance is a major concern for seniors. If it’s safe, we combine resistance exercises, balance drills, and range-of-motion training to rebuild strength and confidence.
Phasic Periodization in Rehab
Phasic periodization is about progressing through structured phases—working on one rehab component at a time. This is crucial when there are medical or physical prerequisites that must be met before advancing.
When is Phasic Periodization Needed?
Post-surgical rehab – For example, after a rotator cuff repair, rehab is phased: first immobilisation, then gentle movement, then strength work.
Severe mobility limitations – A client with advanced knee osteoarthritis who relies on gait aids will need foundational work before moving into strength or balance training.
Psychosocial barriers – Fear of movement or pain catastrophizing can slow progress. In these cases, we may phase rehab to first build confidence and reduce fear before more active therapy.
Phasic periodization is also key when a client’s sport or activity is making symptoms worse—such as a powerlifter pushing through pain. We often need to adjust load, range of motion, or exercise selection to allow appropriate in healing.
Final Thoughts from PhysioPM
Periodization isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a dynamic rehab strategy tailored to your body, your injury, and your goals. At PhysioPM Townsville, our experienced physiotherapists assess each client thoroughly and design rehab plans that adapt over time, using periodization principles to get the best outcome possible.
If you’re in Townsville and need help with injury recovery or long-term pain, book an appointment with our team today. We’ll help you move with confidence—one phase at a time.
