Physical therapy is one of the best choices a person can make when handling an injury or long-term pain. The aim is to make you stronger, more mobile and improve your quality of life. Many people are afraid to attend physical therapy for the fear of it will be painful. But fear not, we are here to debunk this myth and equip you with all the information you need before attending your physical therapy sessions.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (or physiotherapy, injury assessment, rehabilitation and its many names) is a specialist treatment for injuries, which can be treated using physical methods such as massages, exercises and physical stimuli (such as heat and ice) as opposed to using medicine or painkillers. It’s a more holistic way of treating your injuries, aches and pains.
Its aim is to help you move better, strengthen weaker muscles and relieve any pain. Delaying physical therapy (or not doing anything about your injury) can lead to muscle loss, higher levels of pain and restricted movement.
How Does Physical Therapy Treat Pain?
Good therapists are aware of the emotional impact attending physical therapy may have on individuals, especially after traumatic events or surgeries. That’s why it’s important to make sure you connect well with your therapist before booking multiple sessions with them.
Your therapist will not only be looking where your pain is but trying to find the source of it. By searching for the source of the pain, your therapist will be able to guide you in the best direction to build up the strength you had once before. Some pain sources may include muscle imbalances, weaker or stiffer muscles and incorrect muscle engagement. Treating the source of your pain will help to ease any pain and give you better control in your movements.
A rehabilitation program will be given to you. This will contain exercises to build up any muscle damage or muscle loss, as well as recommendations for other treatments such as a sports massage, acupuncture, dry cupping and other treatments your therapist sees fit.
When performing exercises, you may feel soreness or discomfort, but that’s completely normal and to be expected. The movements may be challenging, so soreness can be expected. After each therapy session, you may feel some level of discomfort or soreness. But good news – this should start to decrease over time as your body starts healing better and growing stronger!
What Should I Do If The Exercises Are Giving Me Pain?
If you start experiencing pain when performing exercises, slow down and take a break. This may be your body’s way of asking to stop for a breather. After a rest, perform another rep or two. If you pain is still there, stop that exercise and let your therapist know. Modifications can be made to your treatment plan.
Communication is key when working with a physical therapist – they only know how you feel based on what you tell them! Be vocal about any concerns you may have and pain you experience.
Pain is not a part of the healing process or means you’re ‘getting better’. It’s a sign your body is not happy, and adjustments can be made where necessary.
How Do I Know If It’s Severe Pain?
Sore muscles often feel tight and achy when resting. This disappears naturally between an hour to several days. If your soreness turns into inflammation and swelling, consult your physical therapist. Sharp shooting pains are another sign your body is in distress. Stop any exercises you are performing and let your physical therapist know.
How Can I Reduce Soreness and Discomfort?
Chances are you will experience some level of soreness and discomfort during your therapy session and following your rehabilitation plan. However, here are a few tips to reduce the level of soreness:
- Drink plenty of water – this aids in muscle recovery
- Gentle stretching – light stretches help your body remove lactic acid (which makes your muscle soreness)
- RICE – Rest your body between sessions and exercises, Ice any tender parts, Compression on any swollen areas and elevate your body part above your heart.
Physical therapy should not hurt you or cause pain. You may experience discomfort or soreness, which is to be expected. If you’re unsure about any exercises on your rehabilitation plan or start experiencing pain, tell your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made for you.
‘No pain, no gain’ mentality is not the way forward when recovering from an injury. Do not ignore severe pain and consult your physical therapist with any questions or concerns.
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