It’s common for patients to experience some discomfort after physiotherapy. While it’s often part of the recovery process, many wonder: Why am I in so much pain after physical therapy? Is this normal, or does it mean something is wrong?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the reasons why pain can occur after physiotherapy, how to manage it, and when to be concerned. Whether you’re feeling sore after physical therapy, experiencing nerve pain after physiotherapy session, or questioning how long you’re sore after physical therapy, we’re here to help clarify and guide you through the recovery process.
Why Does Physiotherapy Cause Pain?
When you undergo physical therapy, your body is subjected to exercises that push your muscles, joints, and tissues to work in ways they may not be accustomed to. Physiotherapy often includes stretching, strengthening, and manual manipulation, all of which help to restore proper function. However, these activities can cause temporary discomfort.
For many people, this discomfort is a form of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is typically experienced 2-3 days after physical therapy. DOMS occurs because of the microscopic tears that happen in muscles as they are stretched or worked harder than usual. These tears rebuild stronger, leading to greater flexibility and strength in the long term.
Nerve Pain and Post-Therapy Discomfort
Another possible cause of pain after physiotherapy is related to nerve pain. For example, nerve pain worse after physical therapy may occur when exercises irritate nerves or trigger inflammation. Nerves can become more sensitive, leading to sensations of sharp, burning, or radiating pain. If you have conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc, nerve pain after physiotherapy may become more pronounced as you attempt to improve your mobility.
Is It Normal to Experience Pain After Physiotherapy?
Not all pain after physical therapy is a cause for concern. Soreness after physical therapy is quite common, especially after your first few sessions, as your body adjusts to the new routines. However, there are distinct differences between soreness and pain that signal something might be wrong.
- Normal Soreness:
Mild to moderate soreness is usually expected and should dissipate within 1–3 days. This soreness generally affects the muscles and can be managed with light stretching, rest, and hydration.
- Problematic Pain:
Severe pain after physical therapy, such as sharp, stabbing, or radiating pain, is not typical. If you experience discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest or that intensifies after your session, it could be a sign that the exercise or manipulation wasn’t appropriate for your body at that moment.
How Long Are You Sore After Physical Therapy?
Soreness typically peaks within 48 hours, and for most people, it begins to decrease after that. However, if you’re still feeling sore 2-3 days after physical therapy, it’s important to assess whether it’s just regular recovery pain or something more serious.
Pain After Physiotherapy: Types of Pain You Might Experience
Muscle Soreness & Joint Pain
Muscle soreness is usually a dull, achy feeling that comes from muscle fibers being worked harder than usual. It’s expected after any workout, including physiotherapy sessions. On the other hand, joint pain can indicate stress on the ligaments, cartilage, or tendons surrounding the joint. If you experience persistent pain in a specific area, such as shoulder pain worse after physical therapy, it might be worth revisiting your exercises with your physiotherapist.
Localized Pain After Specific Therapies
Certain physiotherapy treatments can exacerbate pain in specific body areas. For instance, if you’ve had an injury or undergone surgery, areas like the lower back or shoulders may feel more painful as they are being treated. If you notice that lower back pain is worse after physical therapy, or that shoulder pain is worse after physical therapy, it’s important to track these symptoms and consult your physiotherapist.
What to Do When Pain Gets Worse After Physiotherapy
It’s essential to differentiate between temporary pain, which is part of healing, and pain that signifies something more serious. While soreness after physical therapy is generally expected, if you feel severe pain after physical therapy that doesn’t improve or worsens with time, it could indicate a problem.
Adjusting Your Treatment Plan
If pain increases significantly, your physiotherapist might need to adjust your treatment plan. This could involve switching exercises, modifying the intensity, or even using manual therapy or different modalities to ensure you’re progressing without aggravating your condition.
How to Manage and Relieve Pain After Physiotherapy
To manage mild soreness and discomfort at home, here are a few strategies that may help:
- Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying an ice pack or heat pad can reduce inflammation and ease muscle tightness.
- Gentle Stretching: Perform the stretches prescribed by your physiotherapist to promote flexibility and ease stiffness.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and manage mild pain.
When to Use Pain Relievers and How to Use Them Effectively
It’s important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider regarding pain relief. Overuse of medications can mask underlying issues, so only use them as directed to manage pain after physical therapy.
When to Contact Your Physiotherapist
If your pain doesn’t subside after a few days, or if it intensifies, it’s time to reach out to your physiotherapist. Pain after physical therapy should gradually improve as your body adapts. If you’re still feeling pain after multiple sessions, an adjustment to your treatment plan might be necessary.
Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs
A well-designed physiotherapy plan should not only help you recover but also keep your body resilient to injury. If your pain worsens, it may be a sign that the prescribed treatment is not meeting your needs.
The Long-Term Benefits of Physiotherapy
While it’s common to feel sore after physical therapy, the long-term benefits include better flexibility, stronger muscles, and reduced risk of future injuries. As you progress in your recovery, the exercises will help prevent pain from recurring.
Success Stories: Recovery and Relief After Painful Physiotherapy
Many patients experience initial discomfort, but once the body adjusts to therapy, they often report improved strength and reduced pain in the long term. Physiotherapy is a proactive approach that not only heals existing injuries but also strengthens your body for the future.
Experiencing pain after physical therapy can be concerning, but with the right understanding and management, it can be a normal part of the healing process. If the pain becomes severe or doesn’t improve, it’s important to contact your physiotherapist for advice.
Remember, the goal of physiotherapy is to heal your body and prevent future pain, so stick with it, stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.
If you’re dealing with persistent pain, Invigor Health offers personalized physiotherapy plans tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with shoulder pain worse after physical therapy, nerve pain, or sore 2 days after physical therapy, our experienced team is here to help you recover and prevent future discomfort.
Book your Physio appointment today at Invigor Health to begin your journey to pain relief and improved mobility!
