Just because you experience pain, it doesn’t necessarily mean that pain is causing you harm.

It’s a confusing concept, to be sure. Think of it this way: if you had a strenuous workout, the next day your quads might hurt, thus referring to a temporary state that goes away. In most cases, this discomfort eases in 24 to 48 hours. However, if you have an ongoing issue that doesn’t subside, this could be harming your body and causing lasting damage.

Why seek pain treatment from a physical therapist?

Physical therapists are trained to diagnose, assess and treat issues related to pain by looking at the quality of movements and limitations. This training enables us to see beyond the area of pain and identify the source.

A standard issue physical therapists see is a pain in one area when the cause is actually from another part of the body. Many back injuries don’t present as pain in the back, for instance. Instead, they may appear as pain down the leg with no back pain at all, even though the source of the pain may be from the back. Cases like these are why understanding movement is a critical element in identifying pain.

Shouldn’t I see a doctor?

When a person has pain or is hurt, they often assume the best course of action is to schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately. Seeing a physical therapist is a much simpler option.

Did you know that with direct access you can see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral in all 50 states? Physical therapists are trained to diagnose and treat injuries.  

If a physical therapist is concerned about an injury, they will refer you immediately to an appropriate physician. Studies have shown that physical therapy can be a less expensive and more effective option than surgery for many diagnoses.

Is Physical Therapy safe to treat pain?

Yes. Treating pain can be challenging due to severity levels, but working with a physical therapist who understands pain patterns and techniques to reduce pain in addition to the psychological aspect of pain can aid in your recovery.

Patient safety is always a physical therapist’s top priority.

Isn’t Physical Therapy just exercise?

Physical therapists have a range of treatments at their disposal in addition to exercise. The key to effective treatment is evaluating the patient as a whole and determining what the best intervention for their specific pain is. Swelling related to pain may be treated with massage, mobilization, Class IV laser, Dry Needling, STIM and even ice and exercise.

Rely on SetPT’s Expertise

One element to consider when addressing pain is education and self-management. You want to work with a professional who can guide you through steps to improve your pain or ability to manage it.

At SetPT, we believe in empowering our patient with the knowledge to help themselves through education. Understanding your pain and injury will often lead to a resolution.

If you have further questions or have pain issues to address, please feel free to contact your local SetPT therapist.