Periodisation – why should therapists understand this?

Periodisation is a structure to a training programme which aims to get the best outcome possible. It allows the coach/programmer/therapist to manipulate variables. Examples of such are intensity, volume, type of training and recovery days. These can be manipulated in the hope of getting the best physiological adaptation possible for the individual.

Every Monday, the Injury Active clinic team spend time on continual practitioner development. Last Monday we focused on understanding periodisation a little better in the aim of making us better therapists. Understanding periodisation properly as well as the stages of healing will allow us to treat you in the most effective way possible.

Why do we, the therapist, need to understand this?

This is super important. If we don’t understand how to structure a training/rehabilitation programme properly then it’s likely you will be given the wrong exercise with the incorrect volume and intensity at the wrong stage of your healing process. If you have an acute ankle sprain, you can’t go straight into power work within a few days of injuring it. It is very likely this would cause you a lot of pain and delay your healing process.

Many injuries involve tissue damage, which then produces a healing response to the injury. The healing phase in categorised into acute, sub acute and then chronic. Strength deficits are likely to occur, which is why you may see Injury Active’s team out on the gym floor in the mid to latter stages of the injury recovery phase. There are many variables of strength and each can be developed through accurate periodisation, whereby intensity, volume, sets, reps and recovery all target the appropriate strength category.

Below is part of the presentation Olivia demonstrated on Monday. Periodisation should be used in your training as well as your recovery from an injury. If you need help with this, then we are more than happy to offer our services.