Why is My Pain Worse After Physical Therapy?
No matter when you first begin physical therapy or have been receiving treatments for some time, it’s normal to experience some soreness after each session. That is normal as the purpose of physical therapy is to improve mobility, heal injuries, and reduce pain.
If you’re experiencing an abrupt spike in sharp, stabbing or burning pain after your physical therapy session, consult with your therapist about how best to proceed with further treatment. This type of discomfort indicates that tissues in your body are becoming irritated and thus needing addressed for comfort.
Physical therapists offer a range of treatments to relieve pain, such as exercise, heat and ice packs, electrical stimulation and massage. These methods have been recognized by the medical community as safe and effective ways to manage discomfort.
Furthermore, a physical therapist can instruct you on proper posture and movement techniques that can reduce future pain. These may include learning better ways to lift and bend with greater ease.
This type of treatment often necessitates patience and hard work, but the outcomes can be rewarding as they improve physical function as well as provide you with a sense of well-being.
Generally, it’s wise to take a break from any intense activities after physical therapy when you feel sore. This allows your muscles and joints time to rest, which in turn helps reduce pain and swelling.
Additionally, drink plenty of water to aid in muscle recovery. Eating a nutritious diet can also assist with this process.
It’s common that after physical therapy sessions you will experience increased discomfort due to your body reacting to the exercises, stretching, and strengthening exercises prescribed by your therapist. These activities require a change of position and postural stability which puts additional strain on joints and muscles being worked on during treatment.
It is normal for some people to experience some soreness after exercising, however you shouldn’t expect it to go away quickly or for an extended period of time. If the pain is persisting or getting worse than before your treatment, speak with your therapist and consider changing up the schedule for the remaining therapy sessions.
Another common reason you may experience pain after a physical therapy session is that your range of motion has been restricted. This can occur if the physical therapist fails to fully assess how your body moves; they should stretch and move each part to ensure freedom of motion. If they can’t do this, consider stopping therapy altogether and seeking other solutions for treating your condition.
After a physical therapy session, it’s beneficial to discuss with your therapist what exercises you can do at home to reduce pain. This could include performing light aerobic exercises or core strengthening routines at home for added relief.