It's common to experience increased pain or soreness after a physiotherapy session. This is often due to the muscle remodelling process, which is essential for recovery and strengthening.
Here are some common reasons for increased pain after physiotherapy:
- Muscle activation: Physiotherapy often involves exercises that activate and challenge muscles that have been inactive due to injury or pain. This can lead to temporary soreness and discomfort.
- Increased blood flow: Physiotherapy treatments can improve blood flow to the injured area, bringing in nutrients and removing waste products. This can sometimes cause temporary inflammation and pain.
- New movement patterns: If you've been limited in your movement due to an injury, physiotherapy can help you regain lost function. Trying new movement patterns or increasing your range of motion can cause some soreness.
- Deep tissue work: Techniques like massage or dry needling can target deep tissues, which may feel tender afterwards.
- Inflammation: Some physiotherapy treatments, like ultrasound, can temporarily increase inflammation as part of the healing process.
It's important to communicate with your physiotherapist about any pain you experience. They can help determine the cause of the pain and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Important note: If you experience severe or persistent pain, it's essential to consult with your physiotherapist. They can help determine if the pain is a normal part of the healing process or if it indicates a problem that needs further evaluation.