Starting physiotherapy can feel like stepping into the unknown, especially if you’re already in pain. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a sports injury, or dealing with chronic tension, many people wonder: Is pain during physiotherapy normal? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Some discomfort can be part of the process, but there’s a big difference between therapeutic soreness and harmful pain.

If you’re beginning physiotherapy in Edmonton, understanding what to expect helps you stay consistent with your treatment and motivated in your recovery.

Understanding “Good” vs. “Bad” Pain

Not all pain is created equal. When it comes to physiotherapy, pain can provide valuable information to your therapist. But it’s important to know what kind of pain is acceptable and when it’s a signal to stop.

What Might Be Considered “Good” Pain?

• Muscle soreness after exercise
• Stretching sensations during soft tissue work
• Mild discomfort when trying new range-of-motion activities
• A dull ache during strength training

This kind of discomfort often occurs because your body is adapting to movement again. It’s similar to the muscle soreness you might feel after a new workout.

What is “Bad” Pain?

• Pain that is intense, piercing, or burning during or after sessions
• Pain that lasts more than 48 hours without relief
• Swelling, redness, or a feeling of instability in the joint
• New pain in areas unrelated to the original issue

This kind of pain may mean your body is overstrained or a new issue is developing. Always let your physiotherapist know if the pain feels wrong or worsens.

Why Some Discomfort is Normal in Physiotherapy

In many cases, people come to physiotherapy already experiencing pain. Treatment often involves moving stiff joints, activating weak muscles, or improving posture, all of which can temporarily increase soreness.

Here’s why mild pain might be expected:

• Your body is adapting to healthier movement patterns
• Scar tissue or adhesions are being mobilized
• Inactive muscles are being reawakened and reconditioned
• The nervous system is recalibrating how it interprets pain signals

Pain can also be a communication tool. It helps your physiotherapist identify restrictions and track your body’s response to treatment.

When to Be Concerned About Pain

If your pain after physiotherapy increases with every session, disrupts your sleep, limits your mobility more than before, or spreads to new areas, it’s essential to pay attention. While some progression in pain can be expected as part of the recovery journey, unmanageable or unexplained pain isn’t something to ignore. Physiotherapy should productively challenge your body, not feel like punishment.

Physiotherapy Techniques That Might Cause Temporary Discomfort

Physiotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some techniques may lead to more temporary soreness than others. Here are a few methods where minor discomfort is a regular part of the process:

Manual Therapy

Hands-on mobilization of joints and soft tissues can feel intense, especially when working on tight areas or scar tissue. However, this discomfort usually fades within a day or two after manual therapy.

Myofascial Release

This technique targets the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding your muscles. It may feel like a deep stretch or burning sensation as tension is released.

Trigger Point Therapy

Firm pressure is applied to “knots” or tight points in muscle tissue. The pressure may be uncomfortable during the session, but it often provides relief afterward.

Dry Needling

A fine needle is inserted into tight or sensitive muscle bands. The twitch response can feel sharp, but it helps relieve chronic tension over time.

Graded Exercise and Strengthening

When you begin reloading your body with movement or weights, expect sore muscles, especially if you’ve been inactive for a while. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a temporary and expected condition.

How Our Physiotherapist Helps Manage Pain

A physiotherapist helps ensure that any discomfort serves a purpose and remains within safe limits, supporting progress without causing harm.

Our physiotherapist may:

• Adjust the intensity of your exercises
• Modify techniques to reduce irritation
• Educate you on how to track your pain levels at home
• Recommend pacing strategies or rest days
• Use ice, heat, or taping methods to ease post-session soreness

More importantly, they’ll encourage you to communicate honestly. Your input helps fine-tune your plan and prevents setbacks.

Tips to Reduce Discomfort After Sessions

If you’re experiencing soreness after physiotherapy in Edmonton, you can try these strategies to ease recovery:

• Hydration: Helps flush out lactic acid and reduces muscle tightness
• Gentle Movement: Light walking or stretching promotes circulation
• Heat or Cold Packs: Depending on your condition, one may work better than the other
• Breath Work and Relaxation: Helps ease nervous system tension
• Sleep: Rest is necessary for managing pain and repairing damaged tissue

Tuning into your body and sharing feedback helps you get the most out of each session without added discomfort.

The Psychological Side of Pain in Physiotherapy

Pain isn’t just physical. Fear of pain can become a barrier to recovery. If you’re holding back because you’re afraid of hurting yourself, let your physiotherapist know. They can:

• Guide you through graded exposure to challenging movements
• Reframe how you interpret discomfort
• Offer reassurance based on your specific condition

This helps rebuild trust between your mind and body, especially if your pain has been chronic. As treatment progresses, discomfort should lessen, and movements will feel easier as strength and flexibility improve. Occasional flare-ups may still occur, but they tend to be milder and more predictable, indicating that healing is underway.

Pain is a Guide, Not a Goal

Discomfort during physiotherapy doesn’t mean something’s wrong. In many cases, it means something is changing. The goal isn’t to avoid all pain, but to work through it safely and constructively.

If you’re seeking physiotherapy in Edmonton, look for a provider who listens, explains the “why” behind treatment, and supports your recovery pace. At Rutherford Physical Therapy, the focus is always on helping you restore movement and strength with care, clarity, and communication. Are you unsure if your pain is part of the process? Book a consultation today and let us help guide your recovery with confidence.