Healing with Grit: Why Recovery Is as Mental as It Is Physical
- Jordon McIlvain, PT DPT
- Jun 7
- 2 min read

When you think of physical therapy, you might picture resistance bands, stretching routines, or strengthening exercises. And yes—those are all key parts of recovery. But there’s another side of healing we don’t talk about enough: your mindset.
The truth is: healing takes grit.
What Is Grit in Physical Therapy?
Grit is more than just toughness. It's passion and perseverance for long-term goals. In rehab, that means:
Sticking to your home program, even when you're not seeing instant results
Showing up on the hard days (especially the hard days)
Staying committed when progress feels slow
Trusting the process, even when your body feels like it's fighting you
The Mental Side of Recovery
“I’m afraid I’ll never get back to normal.”
Fear is real. After an injury or surgery, your brain often goes into protection mode. Pain becomes a warning signal, and movement feels dangerous—even when it’s exactly what you need. Our therapists work not just on your body, but on your confidence to move again.
“I’m doing everything and still not better.”
Frustration and burnout are common. But healing isn’t linear. You might feel like you're plateauing before your next breakthrough. That’s why we help you set realistic goals, celebrate the small wins, and stay focused on the long game.
How We Help You Build Grit at Defiance PT
Our approach is more than just clinical—it’s personal. We believe in coaching your mindset as much as your muscles.
We teach you how to listen to your body without fear
We help you understand what's normal discomfort vs. injury pain
We motivate you, challenge you, and celebrate your progress
Because we don’t just want you to recover—we want you to rise.To defy the odds. To defy the setbacks.
Your Comeback Starts Now
If you’re in the middle of recovery—or about to begin—remember this: your body heals best when your mind is on your side. Grit isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. And we’re here to help you do exactly that.
Let’s rewrite your recovery story together.
Schedule a visit with our expert Physical Therapists at Defiance PT today.
Stay defiant. Stay strong. Keep moving.— The Team at Defiance PT
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