When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
If you are undergoing physical therapy for an accident that you have been in or an injury that you have sustained, you might have noticed that you feel sore and in pain afterwards. A little bit of discomfort isn't unusual, since you are probably working muscles that you haven't worked since your injury and since you may still be going through the healing process. However, you shouldn't have to suffer while you are trying to get better. These are three steps that you can take if you notice pain after physical therapy.
1. Talk to Your Physical Therapist
First of all, you should definitely talk to your physical therapist about the pain that you feel after physical therapy. He or she can talk to you about the location and extent of your pain and may make adjustments to how physical therapy is done in the future. It's important for you not to push yourself too hard, and your physical therapist can help ensure that you don't as long as you talk to him or her about what you experience after therapy.
2. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
In some cases, taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate pain and soreness after physical therapy. However, you will not want to take these medications without talking to your doctor first; if you are already taking prescription pain pills, for example, taking an added over-the-counter pill could cause health concerns. Ask your doctor what you can and can't take to enjoy a bit of relief after your physical therapy sessions.
3. Use Ice or Heat
Using ice or heat to help soothe your muscles can make you feel better after physical therapy. For example, you can try soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad for relief, or you might find that using an ice pack on the affected area will provide comfort after a stressful day of therapy. If you're unsure of which method to use depending on the affected area and the type of pain that you are experiencing, you can ask your physical therapist or your doctor.
It's not abnormal to experience a bit of pain and discomfort after physical therapy, especially at first. You do not have to sit and suffer in pain afterward, however, nor do you have to give up on physical therapy in order to get some relief. Instead, try these three tips to hopefully feel better during this challenging time. For more information about physical therapy, contact a company like Bonita Community Health Center.
Share16 March 2016
