Traumatic musculoskeletal injuries are common and often life changing. The 6-month period following injury is a critical phase in recovery, during which engagement with rehabilitation professionals can be key to achieving positive outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of which aspects of recovery matter most to patients, how they define a successful recovery and what this looks like when captured during the lived recovery process. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ views and perceptions of recovery following musculoskeletal trauma and to understand what constitutes successful recovery at 6 months postinjury.

Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis through semi-structured interviews.

Major trauma centre in the UK.

13 participants (mean age (SD) 51 (17) years, 69% male) completed the interview. Eligibility criteria: adults >18 years, musculoskeletal injury from a traumatic event and ability to communicate in English. Purposive sampling included age, gender, injury severity and injury type. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Three main themes were identified: (1) The recovery journey: participants reflected on their recovery while still processing the accident/injuries. They often drew on other people’s experiences to make sense of their recovery. Recovery was accompanied by a range of negative emotions and personal challenges. (2) The outcome: participants used multiple strategies to work towards recovery, guided by personalised individual goals. A successful recovery was defined as their ‘normal’. (3) Healthcare/clinicians impact recovery: Participants reported confusion and mixed messages from healthcare professionals, leading to uncertainty around injury management. Fragmented care pathway and difficulties accessing healthcare and support were also highlighted.

Recovery at 6 months post injury involves a complex interplay of physical and emotional factors. This period can be particularly challenging to navigate, often with no or limited support. There is a need for a targeted, individualised approach to guide patients through this period of recovery. Participants’ focus was on the outcome following their injury, setting goals for the future, with successful recovery defined as ‘normal’. Further research is needed to support clinicians in developing effective psychologically informed rehabilitation plans.