Laurie Sweet answers the question: '''No Pain, No Gain' -- Is That Accurate?''
Question: Is The Saying 'No Pain, No Gain' Accurate?
Answer: The saying "no pain, no gain" is not entirely accurate when you're talking about physical therapy. The goal of any physical therapy program is, of course, to not cause more pain, and in fact, we're hoping to alleviate your pain.
What some patients experience is some discomfort after physical therapy sessions because we're using muscles in a different way, we're strengthening weaker muscles, we're teaching you different ways to move. And it would be similar to something you would experience after going to the gym and working out hard, and then you experience the following day or the day after that some delayed muscle soreness.
Of course, if you experience any pain while you're with the physical therapist, let him or her know, and we'll work to provide other treatment techniques that won't irritate or exacerbate your pain. And if you experience pain that is not allowing you to carry out your daily functions or is lingering longer than you thought it would, of course, let your physical therapist know.
Next: When Is It Appropriate To Use Ice Or Heat To Treat Pain?
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