“I just want the pain to go away.”
When you start physiotherapy, it’s easy to focus on one simple wish
And to be fair, that’s what brings most people through the door — pain.
Many people set their physiotherapy goal around getting rid of pain, and most do achieve that. But the problem is, that’s often where they stop. Reaching your goal gives the automatic notion that you’ve reached the end.
I’ve seen it time and time again — someone feels better, the pain settles, and they stop coming to sessions. Then, a few weeks later, they’re back again — sometimes with the same injury, sometimes with a new one caused by the same underlying issue.
I believe the issue lies in where the goals of the patient and clinician are set from the start.
Pain relief is only the beginning of recovery, not the end.
That’s why how and where you set your goals at the start of physiotherapy makes such a difference.
It shapes not just how quickly you recover, but how completely.
That’s where goals come in.
A goal can be defined as:
“The object to which effort or ambition is directed; the destination of a (more or less laborious) journey. An end or result towards which behaviour is consciously or unconsciously directed.”
In other words, a goal gives your recovery purpose. It’s what helps you show up, push through the hard days, and measure progress in a way that truly means something to you.
But not all goals are created equal.
In physiotherapy, we see different types of goals — some focus on outcomes (“I want to walk pain-free again”), others on process (“I’ll complete my rehab exercises three times a week”), and some on performance (“I want to return to running 5km under 30 minutes”).
Each one plays a role, but together, they form a roadmap that makes recovery more focused, motivating, and achievable.
That’s why physiotherapists often use the SMART framework — goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a system designed to help you move with direction, not just hope.
When your goals are clear, every session has meaning.
You’re no longer just doing exercises — you’re training with purpose
What Does SMART Really Mean?
Generally, the acronym SMART stands for:
- S – Specific
- M – Measurable
- A – Attainable
- R – Realistic
- T – Time-bound
It’s a simple yet powerful framework that turns vague intentions into clear, actionable goals — the kind that keep you motivated and accountable throughout your physiotherapy journey.
Let’s break it down 👇
S – Specific
A goal should be clear and detailed, not general.
Instead of saying, “I want to feel better,” you might say, “I want to walk up the stairs without knee pain.”
When your goal is specific, your physiotherapist can tailor your treatment plan directly toward it — choosing the right exercises, progressions, and strategies that make every session purposeful.
M – Measurable
Progress is powerful when you can see it.
Setting measurable goals allows you to track improvements — whether that’s walking further, lifting more, or reducing pain from 8/10 to 3/10.
Physiotherapy isn’t always a straight line, but measurable outcomes remind you how far you’ve come, even when recovery feels slow.
A – Attainable
Your goals should stretch you, but still be within reach.
For example, returning to full marathon training two weeks after an ankle sprain isn’t attainable — but walking pain-free within two weeks is.
Attainable goals build momentum. Every small win builds confidence and motivation for the next step.
R – Realistic
A great physiotherapy goal also needs to align with your current lifestyle, resources, and stage of healing.
If you’re a parent juggling work and family, doing two short home exercise sessions per day might be more realistic than hitting the gym five times a week.
Realistic goals aren’t “smaller” goals — they’re smarter ones. They help you build consistency, not frustration.
T – Time-bound
Without a timeline, goals can drift endlessly.
A time frame — whether it’s two weeks or three months — keeps you accountable and focused. It allows both you and your physiotherapist to review progress and adjust the plan as needed.
As the saying goes:
“A goal without a deadline is just a dream.”
Why SMART Goals Matter in Physiotherapy
Setting SMART goals helps bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
They bring structure, motivation, and accountability — three ingredients essential to sustainable recovery.
Research consistently supports this.
Studies have shown that when patients are actively involved in setting their goals, they report higher satisfaction, stronger adherence to rehab plans, and better outcomes.
For example, a study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (Barten et al., 2021) found that clear, collaborative goal-setting was directly linked to improved recovery outcomes and engagement. Similarly, research by Cogan et al. (2019) highlights that person-centred, co-designed goals create stronger therapeutic relationships and longer-lasting results.
Even professional bodies like the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2022) emphasise that goal-setting isn’t just a nice extra — it’s a core standard of quality care in physiotherapy practice.
Turning Theory into Action
So what does this look like in practice?
Let’s say you’ve been struggling with knee pain.
A vague goal might be:
“I just want my knee to stop hurting.”
A SMART goal transforms that into something structured and measurable:
- Long-term goal: Walk up 5 flights of stairs without knee pain by December 1st, 2025.
- Short-term goal: Walk up 2 flights of stairs without knee pain by November 16th, 2025.
See the difference?
You now have a timeline, a clear measure of progress, and a tangible outcome.
Your physio can then create a tailored plan around those goals — including progress check-ins, exercise milestones, and accountability systems that make recovery both meaningful and trackable.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, setting SMART goals is about more than ticking boxes — it’s about direction and purpose.
It ensures that every exercise, treatment, and conversation moves you closer to something that actually matters to you.
Because recovery isn’t just about feeling better.
It’s about getting better — and staying that way.
So the next time you start physiotherapy, ask yourself:
“What do I really want out of this?”
Once you and your physio can answer that clearly together, everything else falls into place.
Written by Jonathan Lee (Physiotherapist)