Physiotherapy is a common treatment for managing pain, improving mobility, and recovering from injuries. But sometimes, after a session, you may feel sore or have discomfort in your muscles or joints. This is quite a common reaction and often part of the healing process. But is it normal to feel sore after physiotherapy, and how should you manage this soreness? This article will explore why this happens, how long it may last, and when you should seek further advice from your physiotherapist.
Why do you feel sore after physiotherapy?
It’s natural to experience soreness after physiotherapy. Physiotherapists work on muscles, joints, and connective tissues to help restore function, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. Here’s why soreness can occur:
- Muscle activation: During physiotherapy, your muscles are often engaged or stretched in ways they’re not used to, which can lead to temporary soreness.
- Tissue repair: If you’ve been injured, physiotherapy helps stimulate blood flow and healing, which can sometimes cause discomfort as tissues heal.
- Increased activity levels: If you’re returning to movement after being inactive, your body may need time to adjust, resulting in soreness.
- Technique adjustments: Certain techniques used in physiotherapy, such as deep tissue massage or manual manipulation, can cause tenderness in the treated areas.
Soreness is typically a sign that your body is adapting and improving. However, if the soreness persists or becomes severe, it’s essential to consult your physiotherapist.
What causes soreness after physiotherapy?
Soreness after physiotherapy is usually a result of the treatments targeting muscles and joints that have been previously tight, weak, or injured. Understanding the underlying causes can help ease concerns about this discomfort:
- Microtears in muscles: Sometimes, exercises or stretches cause small microtears in muscle fibres, leading to soreness as the muscles repair and rebuild stronger.
- Inflammation: After physiotherapy, especially if you’re working through pain or injury, inflammation can occur in the tissues, causing soreness and stiffness.
- Overexertion: Pushing muscles or joints too hard during physiotherapy can result in soreness, particularly if you’ve increased your activity levels significantly. This can lead to delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a common side effect of intense or unfamiliar physical activity during rehabilitation.
- Postural adjustments: Many physiotherapists work on correcting posture and alignment, which can cause soreness as your body adjusts to more optimal positioning.
This soreness is usually a normal part of the recovery process and should subside within a few days.
How long should the soreness last after physiotherapy?
The duration of soreness after physiotherapy varies depending on the intensity of the treatment, your individual condition, and how your body responds to the therapy. Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Mild soreness usually lasts 1 to 2 days and should gradually improve.
- Moderate soreness: If the treatment was more intense or focused on deep tissue work, soreness may last up to 3 to 4 days.
- Severe soreness: If you experience persistent soreness for longer than a week, it’s a good idea to check in with your physiotherapist to ensure the treatment was appropriate.
Your physiotherapist will likely advise on managing the soreness and preventing it from becoming too uncomfortable.
When is soreness a concern after physiotherapy?
While mild to moderate soreness is typically normal after physiotherapy, there are times when you should be concerned. If you experience the following symptoms, it’s essential to consult your physiotherapist:
| Sign | Description | Implication |
| Persistent pain | Soreness lasting longer than a week | Treatment too intense or underlying issue |
| Sharp or intense pain | Sudden, severe discomfort | Potential injury or strain |
| Swelling or bruising | Unusual swelling or bruising after sessions | Treatment too aggressive or injury |
| Numbness or tingling | Sensations of numbness or tingling | Nerve irritation requiring attention |
Always trust your body and communicate openly with your physiotherapist if you feel concerned about your soreness or unsure when to start physical therapy after an injury.
What are the typical expectations for soreness after physiotherapy for disabilities?
For individuals with disabilities, it’s common to feel sore after physiotherapy, especially if there has been a long period of inactivity, muscle weakness, or joint stiffness. In fact, physiotherapy can be an important part of rehabilitation, but soreness can be a part of the process. For people with disabilities, the causes may include:
- Targeted muscle activation: If physiotherapy includes exercises or stretches that work underused muscles, soreness can occur as those muscles are engaged.
- Pain management: For individuals with chronic pain, physiotherapy treatments may trigger soreness as the body works through pain relief techniques.
- Increased mobility or function: Physiotherapy may focus on mobility by using physiotherapy techniques to improve range of motion, which might lead to some soreness as your body adjusts to new movements.
- Overcoming movement restrictions: Introducing new movements or stretches could result in short-term soreness for those with physical limitations.
While it can be uncomfortable, this soreness is usually part of increasing strength, improving movement, and reducing pain.
Can physiotherapy help relieve chronic pain and soreness?
Physiotherapy can help manage chronic pain and prevent long-term soreness by addressing the underlying causes. Some ways physiotherapy helps chronic pain include:
- Muscle strengthening: Strengthening muscles can provide better joint support, alleviating pain over time.
- Improved flexibility: Physiotherapy helps increase flexibility and mobility, reducing stiffness and soreness in the muscles and joints.
- Pain-relieving techniques: Physiotherapists use various techniques, such as heat/cold therapy, manual therapy, or electrotherapy, to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Postural corrections: Adjusting posture can reduce pressure on certain body areas, helping to manage chronic pain and prevent further discomfort.
With consistent treatment, physiotherapy plays a key role in pain management, often alleviating chronic pain instead of just causing temporary soreness.
How can you manage soreness after physiotherapy?
Managing soreness after physiotherapy is vital to ensure you benefit most from your treatment. Here are some tips to help you ease soreness and recover more effectively:
- Rest and recovery: Give your muscles time to recover by avoiding strenuous activities for a day or two.
- Gentle stretching: Light stretching can help release tension in sore muscles and improve flexibility.
- Heat or ice packs: Applying ice or heat to the affected areas can reduce inflammation and relieve muscle soreness.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Mild pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help manage discomfort, but always consult your physiotherapist before taking anything.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from your body and aids in muscle recovery.
Implementing these strategies after each session can help manage soreness and improve your recovery, ensuring that you stay on track with the full benefits of physiotherapy sessions for long-term health and mobility.
Conclusion
Feeling sore after physiotherapy is a common and regular part of the recovery process. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and seek professional advice if the soreness lasts too long or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Physiotherapy improves mobility, relieves pain, and enhances overall function. By managing soreness effectively and communicating with your physiotherapist, you can maximise the benefits of your treatment and work towards long-term wellness.
Looking for personalised physiotherapy support? Discover how Australian Disability Services can help improve your mobility and overall well-being.