Progressive Goal Attainment Program

Progressive Goal Attainment Program

Offered at In Step Physical Therapy – Because You Deserve More Than Just Pain Management

Offered at In Step Physical Therapy – Because You Deserve More Than Just Pain Management

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Progressive Goal Attainment Program

Are you or a loved one feeling stuck—held back by pain, depression, PTSD, or chronic illness?

Do you feel like no one understands the invisible barriers keeping you from getting back to work or living the life you once had?

At In Step Physical Therapy, we offer a powerful, research-backed approach called the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP®) in Edmonton.

What Is PGAP®, and Who Is It For?

The Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP®) is a structured, step-by-step rehabilitation program designed to help people overcome the limitations caused by chronic health and mental health conditions.

PGAP doesn’t just treat physical symptoms—it targets the emotional and psychological barriers that keep people from living fully, such as:

  • Fear of movement or reinjury
  • Feelings of hopelessness or frustration
  • Loss of motivation
  • A belief that life can’t improve

If you’ve been feeling stuck or sidelined by your condition, PGAP is designed for you.

PGAP® Is Especially Helpful For People Living With:

  • Chronic pain that interferes with daily life
  • Depression or anxiety connected to health struggles
  • PTSD or trauma-related fatigue
  • Cancer recovery and the emotional toll it brings
  • Work-related injuries or long absences from employment
  • Fatigue, burnout, or long-term stress from any chronic illness

Whether your condition is physical, emotional, or both, PGAP helps you get back to what matters: work, family, community, and self-worth.

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What Makes PGAP Different?

PGAP is backed by science, driven by goals, and tailored to you. What makes it unique is the focus on restoring function—not just reducing pain. Here’s what sets PGAP apart:
Evidence-Based and Clinically Proven

More than a decade of research has shown PGAP’s effectiveness in helping people reduce disability and return to meaningful activities.

Officially Recognized for Return-to-Work Success

PGAP is listed in the Official Disability Guidelines as one of the top programs for helping individuals safely re-enter the workforce after illness or injury.

Developed by a Leader in Behavioural Health

PGAP was created by Dr. Michael Sullivan, a leading researcher in rehabilitation and mental health whose work focuses on how thoughts, emotions, and beliefs affect recovery.

Whole-Person Approach

Instead of focusing only on the medical side of pain or illness, PGAP helps you rebuild confidence, purpose, and daily structure—the foundations of a full life.

Could PGAP Help You? Let’s Find Out Together

Ask yourself:

  • Have I stopped doing the things I once enjoyed?
  • Do I feel isolated, unmotivated, or overwhelmed by daily activities?
  • Have I been told my condition is “in my head” or “just something to live with”?
  • Am I afraid to return to work due to pain or fear of failure?

If you said yes to any of these, PGAP might be exactly what you need.

How PGAP Works at In Step Physical Therapy

At In Step Physical Therapy, we recognize that healing isn’t just about treating the body—it’s about treating the whole person. That’s why our delivery of the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP®) goes beyond standard physical therapy.

Whether you’re healing from chronic pain, coping with depression, or adapting to life after illness or injury, PGAP is integrated into your physiotherapy journey to support both your emotional and physical recovery.

Here’s what you can expect when you start PGAP with us:

Goal-Oriented Planning That Builds Confidence

Recovery starts with small, achievable wins. In PGAP, we’ll work with you to identify goals that are personally meaningful and functionally relevant—like walking to the mailbox, reconnecting with a friend, or attending a social outing.

These aren’t just tasks—they’re stepping stones back to the life you want. Each goal is designed to rebuild confidence, reduce avoidance, and show you that progress is possible.

Targeted Coaching to Break Through Mental Roadblocks

Pain is more than physical—it can lead to a mindset that keeps you stuck. That’s why PGAP includes guided coaching from a trained provider who understands the hidden barriers to recovery, such as:

  • Fear of movement (kinesiophobia)
  • Pain catastrophizing (expecting the worst)
  • Perceived injustice (feeling misunderstood or unfairly treated)
Together, we’ll identify these patterns and work to replace them with healthier coping strategies and a renewed sense of control.
Structured, Time-Limited Support You Can Count On

PGAP isn’t an open-ended commitment. It typically runs for 10 structured sessions over a span of 10 weeks, making it:

  • Predictable: You know what to expect and how long it lasts.
  • Manageable: It won’t interfere with your life—it helps you get back to it.
  • Flexible: We adapt the program to your specific pace and challenges.

Our focus is on sustainable change that builds week over week—without overwhelming you.

Real Conversations About What’s Holding You Back

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. In PGAP sessions, we create a space for honest, empowering dialogue about what’s really getting in your way—whether that’s emotional fatigue, workplace stress, family dynamics, or fear of reinjury.

We help you understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors all play a role in recovery—and how shifting your mindset can unlock your ability to move forward, both physically and mentally.

The Goal? Not Just to “Feel Better”—But to Live Better

PGAP at In Step Physical Therapy is about helping you reclaim your roles, responsibilities, and routines—not through pressure but through progress.

Every session is a collaboration. Every goal is a bridge back to your life. And every success—no matter how small—is a step toward freedom, function, and fulfillment.

Questions You Might Be Asking Right Now

“Do I need a referral for PGAP?”
Not always! Contact us to find out your eligibility and how we can help you get started quickly.

“How long does the program take?”
PGAP is designed to be time-limited and efficient, usually running over a series of weekly sessions.

“Will it help with my anxiety or depression related to pain?”
Yes. PGAP specifically targets psychosocial barriers, including anxiety, fear, and emotional distress.

“What makes In Step Physical Therapy different?”
We combine knowledge, empathy, and evidence-based care, ensuring that you’re supported physically and emotionally throughout the program.

PGAP Is More Than Therapy—It’s a Turning Point

It’s easy to feel stuck. But the first step toward reclaiming your life could be just a conversation away.

Ready to See if PGAP Is Right for You?

Book a consultation at In Step Physical Therapy today.
Discover how the Progressive Goal Attainment Program in Edmonton can help you break through the barriers and get back to living.

In Step Physical Therapy – Where Progress Begins, One Step at a Time.