Can a Physical Therapist Hurt You?

Learn about the potential risks of physical therapy and how to identify if it's causing more pain than expected. Find out how physical therapy can help relieve pain and restore function.

Can a Physical Therapist Hurt You?

When it comes to physical therapy, it's important to understand that a certified physical therapist will never cause muscle and joint pain. In fact, physical therapy is designed to improve or restore mobility, relieve pain, and reduce the need for surgery and prescription medications. If you feel any pain during your therapy session, your therapist will tell you to stop and rest. It's normal to feel anxious when undergoing physical therapy, especially if you're recovering from an injury or surgery.

However, if you experience a level of pain that goes beyond discomfort or pain, you should contact your physical therapist and book an appointment to determine the cause of the pain. Your therapist is likely to ask you questions about how you felt after the last session, such as what you feel is improving and what challenges you face in therapy. If your therapist decides to modify your treatment, aquatic therapy is suitable for a multitude of conditions and can be tailored to your goals. A physical therapy doctor will enter the pool with you and guide you through a series of exercises and movements.

If you think you're experiencing more muscle pain than expected, or if you consider your pain to be severe, you should talk to your physical therapist to modify your treatment accordingly. After all, physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation and optimal health if a patient wants to improve and recover as soon as possible.