1: Learn About Pain and Injury (Part I: Pain, and Part II: Injury)

Learning about pain and injury—how they work, what the different types are, and the strategies for healing—will provide meaning and purpose to the treatment protocols and exercise programs. Understanding improves adherence, and adherence promotes consistency, both of which are necessary for getting better.

2: Go to Your Pain/Injury Site or the Body Region You Want to Improve (Part III: Rehab)

Whether you have a pain or injury or you simply want to progress your movement, mobility, and strength, go to the Body Area Map on page 117 and then flip to the joint or body region that you want to improve or maintain.

3: Choose the Protocol That Matches Your Symptoms

At the beginning of each body region chapter are illustrations that represent the protocols in that section. If you have pain in your shoulder, for example, go to the shoulder chapter, look at the illustrations, and choose the protocol that best matches your symptoms.

4: Read the Protocol Categories to Learn About the Condition

Each protocol includes a description, a list of signs and symptoms, aggravating factors, a prognosis (healing time frame), a treatment strategy, and a rehab exercise program broken into three phases. These categories provide a comprehensive framework for identifying, treating, and preventing the pain and injury associated with the protocol—and equips you with the tools to guide your rehab.