This study examined the interactive effects of athletic identity and social support on rehabilitation adherence across recovery phases among injured athletes using experience sampling methodology (ESM). A total of 142 competitive athletes (18-35 years) with moderate‑to‑severe sports injuries requiring 8-12 weeks of rehabilitation were recruited. Athletic identity and perceived social support were measured by validated questionnaires, and adherence was assessed via clinic attendance, home exercise records and therapist ratings. ESM assessments were delivered three times daily over 12 weeks. Mixed‑effects models revealed significant temporal variation in adherence, declining from 76.8% (early phase) to 64.2% (middle phase) and rising slightly to 69.5% (late phase). Athletic identity and social support exhibited a significant interaction. Athletes with high athletic identity and high social support showed 84.2% adherence, while high‑identity athletes with low support only reached 58.6%. Daily perceived social support positively predicted same‑day adherence, with emotional support exerting a stronger effect than instrumental support; the predictive model yielded an AUC of 0.847. Our findings indicate that adherence depends on the joint effect of athletic identity and social support. Clinicians should evaluate athletes' identity profiles and available social support to design tailored rehabilitation adherence interventions.
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