Objective: To interpret and build a theoretical model of the user's experience in the education process in physical rehabilitation settings.
Method: Qualitative research, based on the Grounded Theory. The setting was a Rehabilitation Center of Rede Lucy Montoro, located in an inland city of the State of São Paulo. Data collection took place from January to October 2019, based on 28 interviews with three sample groups. The collection and analysis process was guided by theoretical sampling.
Results: A total of 122 conceptual codes emerged. The main category established was "Experiencing education in rehabilitation"; as Conditions, the categories: relying on team support, and considering the group dynamics; as Actions-Interactions, the category: experiencing instructions; and as Consequences, the categories: promoting change of habits, and finding resistance in the follow-up.
Conclusion: The experience in the education process in rehabilitation indicates that this is an action that requires adequate communication and acceptance by the team. In group activities, although there are experiences exchanges among the members, the heterogeneity of situations shall be considered.