Is physical therapy painful?
For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance. In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be uncomfortable, but your physical therapist will do her best to keep you as comfortable as possible while still accomplishing the results you are looking for.
Physical Therapy is designed to utilize a variety of treatment modalities to help relieve symptoms and maximize function. Treatments consist of hands on manual therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation as well as hot and cold therapies. Of course, at times therapy can be painful, especially when dealing with certain diagnosis. Your therapist and staff will work to optimize your outcomes while communicating with you regarding the discomfort you are feeling and work to find a balance that provides you with the best outcomes. It is important that you communicate what you are feeling during your treatments in regards to pain level, intesity and location.
There are some instances where increased soreness and pain might occur during and after physical therapy sessions especially when you are not used to moving a lot. Usually this soreness dissipates quickly if the home treatment program is adhered to. The toughest conditions to rehab are total knee replacements and rotator cuff repairs. It is important to communicate your pain intensity and behavior to your treating therapist so that modifications can be made in your treatment sequence. For persistent pain ultrasound, heat, cold and/or electric stimulation will sometimes be utilized.
For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance. In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.
