Recovery and confidence
Return to activity is a progression.
Getting back to the activity you value takes a plan that matches your treatment, your starting point and how your symptoms respond.
Illustrative activities. Your goals guide the progression.
At a glance
A plan for each stage of recovery
Your pace.Your milestones.
Your plan.
Recovery starts with a plan for walking, work and the activity you want back. Your team sets milestones for healing, movement, strength and exercise load, then reviews your progress. Published rehabilitation plans vary, so your treatment and response guide when to take the next step.
Rehabilitation and return to activity after fasciotomy: systematic review (2023)
Agree the next step
Make your plan practical
These are topics to plan with your treating team. The pace and sequence depend on your care and symptoms.
- 1
Agree your starting point
Daily activity, symptoms and your treatment
- 2
Build movement and strength
Progress load with the treating team
- 3
Review the response
Check symptoms during and after activity
- 4
Work towards your goal
Discuss readiness for your chosen activity
Your plan should answer these questions
Agree the next step with your treating clinician or physiotherapist, including:
- What you can do now, including walking and work.
- How to progress movement, strength and activity load.
- What to monitor during exercise and after it.
- When to review progress before running or sport.
- Who to contact if symptoms return or recovery stalls.
Keep the conversation open
Symptoms still deserve a review
Keep your team informed about changes in pain, sensation and activity tolerance. A review helps adjust rehabilitation or investigate symptoms that persist or return. Follow the aftercare and contact instructions provided with your treatment.
NHS: compartment syndrome · Rehabilitation and return to activity after fasciotomy: systematic review (2023)
Ask.
Review.
Use the contact and aftercare instructions from your treating team.
Common questions
When can I run again?
There is no single timetable for everyone. Your treating team should agree progression based on the treatment, healing, symptoms, function and the demands of running.
What if my original symptoms return?
Contact your treating team to review the symptoms and adjust the plan. They will consider your progress, examination and whether further investigation or treatment would help.