Should Physical Therapy Hurt?
Have you just been told that you need physical therapy? Whether it helps you heal after an injury or regain your mobility after a surgical procedure, you may have some apprehension. Like many, you may be concerned that physical therapy might add to your pain. Is this really the case?
At Paspa Physical Therapy, we take pride in clearing up any misconceptions you may have regarding therapy. We also strive to render the best care to aid your healing process, including pain-free therapy. Schedule an appointment with us today at our office located in Manhattan, NY!
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is a form of rehabilitative treatment that aims to ease pain, improve your range of motion, and increase your quality of life. Physical therapy is used to treat acute or chronic pain due to an injury, disability, or health condition and even prevent future complications from developing.
Physical therapy can help:
- Improve your flexibility and mobility
- Alleviate pain
- Prevent or treat sports-related injuries
- Prevent the need for surgery
- Posture and workplace ergonomics
- Improve your balance
- Recover after you have given birth, etc.
Physical therapy is performed by a licensed physical therapist. Your physical therapist will have specific training tailored to assess your condition. This allows them to create a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis. Physical therapists are movement experts who can help you recover in the safest way possible.
Does Physical Therapy Hurt?
No, physical therapy treatment should not hurt. To ensure that you receive the proper pain-free care that you deserve, it is so important to choose a physical therapist that is licensed.
It is normal to have muscle soreness after each therapy session (just as you would after completing a workout that your body is not accustomed to) because you are stretching and strengthening the affected area. This is known as “good pain” and is a normal part of the recovery process. This “good” physical therapy pain decreases with time.
Will Physical Therapy Make My Existing Pain Worse?
No, you will be happy to know that physical therapy does not make your existing pain worse. Rather than increasing your pain, therapy can help ease your existing pain over time. While it does require a lot of effort and can be physically demanding, many physical therapy patients have found it to be worth their efforts.
What Should I Do If I Experience Pain During or After Physical Therapy?
If you experience pain during physical therapy, you should let your physical therapist know right away. Do not try to push through the pain. Doing so could hinder your progress. If you feel pain, having honest communication with your therapist can help them do everything they can to take steps to diminish the pain.
If you feel pain after physical therapy, particularly pain that goes beyond soreness or discomfort, you should also take time to talk to your physical therapist. If you experience prolonged pain, your physical therapist can help identify other factors that may be causing your pain.
It is never normal to have severe pain after physical therapy. It is imperative that you do not mistake pain for soreness. Whether you are sure that your pain is severe or if you are unsure of the distinction between being sore or having severe pain, speak to your therapist so that they can modify your treatment accordingly.
Is it Possible to Do Too Much Physical Therapy?
Yes, it is possible to do too much physical therapy. Therapy must be done in moderation. If you exceed the instructions that your therapist gives, you could cause further damage and even reverse the effects of your therapy. Your treatment is designed to help you build strength, increase mobility, and recover over time. Remember—patience is key!
Indications that you are overdoing your therapy include:
- Swelling or pain in the areas that are being targeted during your therapy session
- Persistent muscle soreness
- Muscle failure when performing your exercises
Physical Therapy Modifications to Reduce Pain
It is important to remember that everyone responds differently to therapy. Identifying your physical levels of comfort will be beneficial on your road to recovery. If something feels uncomfortable, modifications can be made to your therapy treatment.
If you experience physical therapy pain or feel that the exercises are too difficult, be honest with your physical therapist. They are there to support you and will be more than happy to modify your treatment to ensure your recovery.
Therapy is designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help you return to living a life that you love. You should not feel pain after physical therapy.
Our trusted physical therapists at Paspa Physical Therapy have many years of experience and can help you recover without pain. Schedule an appointment at our office in Manhattan, NY today! We look forward to helping you get the pain relief you’re looking for.