Feeling a bit sore or uneasy after a physio session can leave you wondering if something’s gone wrong. It’s normal to have questions, especially if you’re aiming to feel better, but come out of a session with tightness or minor aches. Everyone responds differently to treatment, and knowing what’s typical and what’s not can help you move forward with more confidence.
Physiotherapy is meant to support your body as it heals, not make things worse. Some level of discomfort can be part of the process, but ongoing pain or sharp sensations shouldn’t be brushed off. Let’s unpack what kind of discomfort is expected, when it becomes a red flag, and how to approach it during your recovery.
Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Discomfort
Not all pain signals a problem. When muscles, joints, or soft tissue areas haven’t been used in a while or are being retrained, it’s common to feel some delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This is usually a dull ache that you might feel the day after a session, much like the soreness after trying a new workout. It often goes away within a couple of days and shouldn’t impact your usual movement too much.
In some sessions, your physiotherapist may work on areas that are tight or not moving well. This might cause some discomfort; however, this is okay as long as you can still breathe calmly and remain relaxed.
However, discomfort that sits outside the normal range might look like:
– Sharp, stabbing, or shooting pain during or after treatment
– Increasing pain with each session instead of slow improvement
– Swelling or noticeable changes in the treated area following mild activity
– A tingling sensation, numbness, or unexpected weakness in muscles
– Pain lasting more than 48 hours that interrupts your day-to-day activities
These symptoms are a sign to talk to your physiotherapist. Treatment should make you feel stronger and more mobile, not leave you unsure or limited in your everyday life. A good physio will always work with your feedback to adjust your care.
Common Causes Of Discomfort
There are a few common and usually harmless reasons why you might feel discomfort after a physio session. Most of the time, your body is just adjusting to new movements and efforts.
Here are some of the usual causes:
– Muscle activation: Sessions often target muscles that haven’t been used properly for a while. When they start working again, they may feel tired or sore.
– Tight or shortened muscles: These may feel irritated during stretching, especially early in your treatment plan.
– Inflammation: Areas already inflamed or healing might feel temporarily more tender during or after therapy.
– Movement habits: Trying to move in new ways can feel awkward at first. Your body needs time to unlearn old patterns.
For example, if you’ve spent a long time hunched at a desk, then start working on upper back mobility, you might feel tightness or tension in your neck or shoulders for the next few days. That’s generally okay. If that tightness grows into pain that stops you from sleeping or bothers you during simple activities like showering, it’s time to touch base with your physio.
The most reliable thing you can do is listen to your body. If discomfort fades and doesn’t affect your ability to function, that’s a normal part of recovery. If the pain spikes, lasts too long, or spreads to new areas, it’s best reviewed by your physiotherapist.
Tips For Managing Discomfort
While it’s always great to get through a physio session pain-free, it’s not unusual to feel a bit sore. Still, there are ways to make sessions more comfortable and avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Start with communication. Always speak up during your session if something doesn’t feel right. Your physio will adjust the treatment to suit your pain tolerance and needs.
You can also take these simple steps to make things easier:
– Wear loose, breathable clothes so you can move freely
– Keep your water intake up to support muscle function
– Use an ice or heat pack on any sore areas afterwards
– Give your body time to rest by getting enough sleep
At home, you might try gentle stretching after your session to keep muscles moving. But overdoing it or pushing into pain isn’t helpful. Let your physio know if anything feels worse later, and they can change your program accordingly.
Some discomfort is part of recovery, but it shouldn’t drag on or get in the way of day-to-day life. You should never feel like you have to push through pain in silence.
When to Seek Help
If something feels off or seems to be getting worse, it’s worth getting more guidance. There are a few clear signs that you should touch base with your physio or speak with a healthcare provider:
– Discomfort that grows worse instead of fading
– Pain that limits your ability to do basic activities
– New or increasing swelling
– Tingling or numbness in the treated area
These signs don’t always mean something serious has happened, but they do mean your treatment plan might need adjusting. Your physiotherapist wants you to feel better, not confused or uncomfortable.
And remember, voicing concerns isn’t complaining. It’s an important part of healing that helps your therapist make the best decisions for your care.
Feeling Comfortable with Pain-Free Physio at Macquarie Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy should be something you look forward to, not dread. It’s about helping you move more comfortably and confidently. The key is learning what discomfort is okay and when something needs a closer look. By being honest with your physiotherapist and paying close attention to your body’s signals, you’ll get the most out of each session.
At Macquarie Physiotherapy, we know how important it is to feel safe, supported, and informed. Whether you’ve just started treatment or are adjusting your plan, we’re here to help make physio feel like progress, not punishment.
If you’re uncertain about the discomfort you’re feeling during or after a session, have a chat with our team. We’ll always treat your concerns with care and adjust your plan to make sure it truly fits your needs. Your comfort is part of your recovery, and we treat it with the same respect as your goals.
To support a smoother recovery and feel more at ease during treatment, consider how pain-free physio can make a difference in your progress. At Macquarie Physiotherapy, we focus on delivering care that respects your comfort level while helping you heal. If you’re looking for a more supportive approach that works with your body, explore our pain-free physio options available in Newcastle.
