I’ve always been a big fan of imagined movement as are many elete athletes. However visualization is not something most physiotherapists talk about because, of course, we want people to move. But for those who can’t, due to pain, injury, or fear, mental practice might just be the next best thing.
“Coupling mental imagery with physical training is the best-suited intervention for improving strength performance.”— Slimani et al., 2016
This review paper showed that mentally practicing exercises can boost physical strength by up to 20%. The improvements don’t come from muscle growth, but from neural changes… the brain learning to better recruit and coordinate muscles, even without movement. And here’s the fascinating part, the harder the imagined task, the greater the effect.
“…imagining lifting a heavy object resulted in more EMG activity than imagining lifting a lighter one.” — Slimani et al., 2016
So, the next time a patient says they’re not ready to move because of pain, fatigue, or fear, invite them to pretend — to imagine the movement with full attention and belief. Eyes closed. Muscles relaxed. Mind engaged.
Imagine bending forward and touching your toes ten times or lifting your right arm over head to grap a cup from the top shelf, etc.
Visualization isn’t “nothing.” It’s practice.
It’s the nervous system rehearsing success before the body can follow.
If it’s good for athletes, the it may also be beneficial for a pateint after injury or surgery!