What to Do If You Feel Sore after Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is designed to help you heal from your injury, so you might wonder what is going on if you actually find yourself in pain after your sessions. Some discomfort can be expected during and after physical therapy, but this doesn't mean that you should have to feel miserable after your appointment. These are a few things that you should do if you find that you are sore after your treatment.

Write it Down

Take notes about how you feel after your physical therapy session, such as the type of pain that you are feeling—like whether you are feeling sore overall or have shooting pain in one specific area—and where this pain is coming from. You can then talk to your physical therapist about it at your next appointment without worrying about forgetting anything. Your physical therapist will be able to tell you whether this pain is normal or not and can adjust your treatment as needed to help you stay comfortable while still helping you heal.

Take Pain Medication

You should be able to take an over-the-counter pain medication to help with some of your discomfort. If you are already on pain medication because of your injury or if you are taking other prescription medications, however, you should mention it to your doctor first to get the go-ahead.

Soak

In some cases, soaking in a hot bathtub after your physical therapy session can help provide you with some relief. Plus, you deserve a few moments of relaxation after working so hard in therapy. If you are feeling pain because of strained, overworked muscles—which is often common during physical therapy—then it can help to add epsom salts to your bathwater. This can also help you relax, which can aid you in going to sleep as you deal with this discomfort. This is an especially good option if you are on pain medication already and aren't able to take additional medication to help with your discomfort.

Seek Medical Assistance

If you find that you are in unbearable pain after your physical therapy session, you should seek medical assistance, such as by taking a trip to the emergency room or instacare. There is always the possibility that you reinjured yourself during treatment, and if this is the case, you should have the injury treated as soon as possible.

It's not abnormal to feel sore after physical therapy, but you shouldn't have to suffer. If you follow these tips, you can get the relief that you need.


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