Finding the Right “Dose” of Movement: A Physical Therapist’s Guide

Most people understand that movement is essential for health - but few realize that, like any prescription, it requires the right dose. Too little movement can delay healing or limit strength gains. Too much, and you risk aggravating pain or prolonging injury. At More Than Movement in Philadelphia, we help clients strike that perfect balance, especially when it comes to integrating strength training into rehab. Here’s how a physical therapist determines the right amount, intensity, and type of movement to help your body heal - and thrive.

READ: Injury-Proofing with Strength: Building Resilience Through Rehab

Why Movement Prescription Matters in Rehab

Every injury or condition requires a specific approach to recovery. While rest has its place, strategic movement is often the most effective tool for:

• Stimulating tissue repair
• Reducing pain through circulation and mobility
• Preventing deconditioning and muscle atrophy
• Restoring functional strength and confidence

But not all movement is created equal. That’s where dosage - how often, how intensely, and how purposefully you move - makes all the difference. Too much loading too soon can lead to setbacks, while underdosing can delay recovery and progress.

How Physical Therapists Determine Your Movement “Dose”

At More Than Movement, our physical therapists take a highly individualized approach to each plan of care. Here’s what goes into prescribing the right movement dose:

• Injury or condition type: A recent ankle sprain needs different loading than a long-standing shoulder issue.
• Stage of healing: Early-stage rehab focuses on controlled mobility, while later stages integrate heavier loading and strength work.
• Movement patterns and imbalances: We assess how you move to identify areas of compensation or weakness.
• Training history and fitness level: Your baseline strength and experience inform how quickly we progress you.

This clinical reasoning allows us to blend strength training and rehab seamlessly—ensuring your body is challenged, but not overwhelmed.

The Role of Strength Training in Modern Rehab

Strength training is a foundational element of effective rehab - not something that waits until you’re “healed.” When dosed correctly, it:

• Improves tissue resilience: Muscles, tendons, and joints adapt to controlled loading
• Reduces re-injury risk: Stronger bodies are more stable and better prepared for daily demands
• Enhances coordination and control: Especially in athletes and active adults returning to sport or performance
• Supports pain management: Strength training can reduce sensitivity and improve function, even in chronic pain cases
  
  

If you're searching for strength training rehab in Philadelphia, it’s important to find a clinic that integrates both science and real-world movement. At More Than Movement, strength is part of the healing process from day one.

Why Personalized Rehab Plans Work Better Than Generic Programs

You won’t find cookie-cutter programs here. Every person who walks into our Philadelphia clinic gets a customized movement plan - because your body, history, and goals are unique. Some clients need gentle mobility and progressive resistance. Others may need performance-level programming to return to high-demand activities.

Our physical therapists constantly assess and adjust the “dose” based on how your body responds. That means smarter recovery, fewer setbacks, and better long-term outcomes.

Trust the Process - And the Programming

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much movement you need in rehab. But with the right guidance, the right load, and the right progressions, movement can be the most powerful medicine available. At More Than Movement, we help people in Philadelphia build strength through rehab - one intentional rep at a time.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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