Physical therapy often raises questions about pain, leading many to wonder if discomfort is an expected part of the healing process. While some discomfort can be a normal and even beneficial aspect of physical therapy, pain that signals harm is not. This distinction is important for a successful recovery, ensuring the body is challenged appropriately without risking injury.
Discomfort Versus Harmful Pain
Distinguishing between expected discomfort and harmful pain is a fundamental aspect of physical therapy. Expected discomfort, often described as “good pain,” typically manifests as muscle fatigue, a stretching sensation, or mild soreness. This type of sensation is a sign that tissues are being challenged and strengthened, similar to the feeling after a workout or new physical activity. This soreness usually subsides shortly after the exercise or within 24 to 48 hours, indicating that the body is adapting and making progress.
In contrast, harmful pain signals something is wrong. This type of pain is characterized by sharp, stabbing, or severe sensations that may escalate during or after an activity. Unlike beneficial soreness, harmful pain often persists for an extended period, lasting longer than two to three days. Recognizing this distinction empowers individuals to engage actively in therapy while remaining vigilant for signs needing attention. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain and improve function over time, not to create or exacerbate pain.
Recognizing Red Flag Pain
Beyond general discomfort, specific “red flag” pain symptoms indicate a need for immediate attention from a physical therapist. Pain that significantly increases during or after an exercise session, or pain that lingers for a long duration (e.g., more than two to three days), can be a warning sign. Pain accompanied by swelling, numbness, or tingling sensations also warrants concern.
Other red flags include weakness, changes in skin color, or constant pain that does not change with movement or activity. Unexplained night pain, persistent headaches, or unexplained weight loss are also symptoms which a physical therapist screens for, as they may indicate systemic issues. Such symptoms may suggest re-injury, nerve involvement, or an inappropriate exercise, requiring immediate adjustment to prevent complications.
Communicating with Your Therapist
Open communication with your physical therapist about pain is essential for a safe and effective recovery. Therapists rely on patient feedback to tailor exercises, adjust intensity, and modify overall treatment plans. Withholding information about pain can hinder progress and potentially lead to worsening discomfort or additional injury.
When describing pain, being specific helps your therapist understand your experience fully. This includes using a pain scale, typically 0-10, with context for its meaning. Describing the quality of the pain (e.g., aching, sharp, burning, throbbing, tingling), its location, and what makes it better or worse provides valuable insights. A responsive physical therapist will encourage this feedback and work collaboratively to ensure your comfort and safety throughout rehabilitation.
Factors Affecting Your Pain Experience
An individual’s pain experience during physical therapy can be influenced by a variety of factors, beyond physical demands. Individual differences play a role, including varying pain thresholds and tolerance levels. Pain threshold is the minimum intensity perceived as painful; pain tolerance is the maximum pain an individual can withstand. Previous injury history and the current condition also shape how pain is perceived and managed. Physiological factors, such as age and existing medical conditions, can influence pain perception.
Psychological factors, including stress, beliefs about pain, expectations, and fear of movement, significantly impact the pain experience. The stage of recovery, whether acute or chronic, can also affect pain levels, with chronic pain often involving changes in nerve sensitivity and brain processing.