What is a HEP in physical therapy?
HEP stands for home exercise program: the exercises your physical or occupational therapist gives you to do on your own between visits, with the sets, reps and instructions written down.
What HEP means in physical therapy
In physical therapy and occupational therapy, HEP is short for home exercise program. Your therapist picks exercises for your condition, shows you how to do them in the session, and gives you a written program to follow at home, on paper or as a link.
The HEP is where most of the progress happens. Visits are short and a few days apart; the exercises you do in between are what build range of motion, strength and balance.
What a good HEP includes
- A short list of exercisesUsually three to six, chosen for one goal, such as bending the knee again or easing back pain.
- A picture of each exerciseThe start and finish positions, so you can check your form at home.
- Plain step-by-step instructionsOne action per step, in everyday words.
- The dosageSets, reps, how long to hold, how often each day or week, which side, and any band or weight.
- When to stopWhat to do if something hurts, and how to reach your therapist.
- Your therapist's detailsName and clinic, so you know who to call.
A sample HEP
Here is what a short program looks like, for example early knee rehab. It shows the format only: your own exercises and dosage come from your therapist.
| Exercise | How | Dosage | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle pumps | Point and flex both feet | 20 reps | Every hour while resting |
| Quad sets | Tighten the thigh, press the knee down | 10 reps, hold 5 seconds | 2 times a day |
| Heel slides | Slide the heel toward you, then back | 10 reps | 2 times a day |
| Straight leg raise | Lift the straight leg to the height of the other knee | 2 sets of 10 | Once a day |
See full programs with pictures in the free exercise handouts, for example knee replacement exercises, phase 1.
How to get the most from your HEP
- Do it at the same time each dayLink it to something you already do: after breakfast, before bed.
- Follow the dosage you were givenMore isn't better. Doing extra can flare things up.
- Keep the handout where you'll see itOn the fridge or next to your bed, not in a drawer.
- Write down what was hardBring it to your next visit so your therapist can adjust the program.
For therapists: build a HEP in a minute
HEPonDemand is home exercise program software for PTs and OTs. Pick exercises from a clinician-reviewed library, set the dosage, and email the program to your patient: they get a link and a PDF, with no app or account. Start with the free home exercise program builder, or read the home exercise program guide on writing programs patients actually follow.
Questions
What does HEP stand for in physical therapy?
HEP stands for home exercise program. It's the set of exercises your physical or occupational therapist gives you to do on your own between visits.
Is a HEP the same as physical therapy homework?
Yes. Therapists often call it homework. It's the part of your rehab you do at home, and it matters as much as the visits.
How long will I need to do my HEP?
It depends on your condition and your goals. Your therapist will usually change the exercises as you improve, and many people keep a few of them after discharge.
What if an exercise hurts?
Stop that exercise and tell your therapist. Mild effort or stretch is normal, but sharp or increasing pain is not. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Do I need an app for my HEP?
No. Many therapists give you a printed sheet or a link that opens on any phone. Programs made with HEPonDemand need no app and no account for the patient.
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