How to Deal with Setbacks and Failures

One of the hardest parts of recovery is learning that progress may not happen every day. Some days you'll feel stronger and pain-free, while other days your knee may feel worse, or weaker than before. This does not necessarily mean that you're losing progress. Progress has it's ups and downs.

Setbacks are normal

You may experience:

• Pain or discomfort after physical therapy sessions

• Fear while or after trying a new exercise

• A slow in progress because of pain or swelling.

All of these moments are frustrating, but they are common.

Focus on what you can control:

• Showing up to each appointment

• Completing your home exercises

• Get enough sleep

Although these seem small, these improvements can lead to big progress

Celebrate the small wins

Remember to celebrate all the small victories like bending your knee a few more degrees, walking without crutches, your first jog, run, or jump, and just feeling stronger than you did the week before. Every milestone is important and is proof that you're moving forward.

Recovery is very challenging not only physically, but mentally. These setbacks do not define you recovery. Every challenge gives you the opportunity to become stronger, more confident, and patient.