Rest Isn’t Always the Answer: When to see a Physical Therapist for Pain
Why Rest Alone Doesn’t Fix Most Pain
For many people, the first response to pain is simply to rest. Sometimes rest helps—but often it doesn’t solve the real problem.
Many people find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle:
Pain → Rest → Temporary Relief → Pain Returns.
This happens because pain is often driven by underlying factors such as:
— Inefficient or dysfunctional movement patterns
— Muscle weakness or poor stability
— Postural imbalances
— Incorrectly dosed exercise or activity
— Repetitive stress from daily activities or workouts
— Postpartum changes in the body
In these cases, rest alone isn’t enough. While rest may reduce symptoms temporarily, the root cause often remains. When you return to normal activity, the pain frequently comes back—sometimes even worse. Over time, the longer this cycle continues, the harder it can be to fully resolve the problem.
That’s where physical therapy can make a difference.
When to See a Physical Therapist
You may benefit from physical therapy if you experience any of the following:
1. Pain lasting longer than 1–2 weeks
Occasional soreness is normal—especially delayed onset muscle soreness after a workout. But pain that persists beyond two weeks may indicate an underlying issue that needs professional evaluation.
2. Pain that keeps coming back
Recurring pain is often a sign that something deeper is going on. Physical therapy can help identify and address the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
3. Pain that changes how you move
If pain begins to alter your movement patterns, it’s a strong signal to seek guidance. Watch for signs like:
Avoiding certain movements or exercises
Limping or favoring one side
Difficulty lifting your child or completing daily tasks
Modifying workouts due to pain or fear of injury
4. Loss of strength, mobility, or confidence in your body
If you feel weaker, stiffer, “off balance,” or hesitant to move, physical therapy can help restore function and prevent further injury.
5. Returning to activity after pregnancy, injury, or time off
Whether you’re postpartum, recovering from injury, or returning after a period of inactivity, this is an ideal time to work with a physical therapist. A personalized plan can help you return safely and reduce the risk of long-term issues.
What Physical Therapy Does That Rest Cannot
Physical therapy goes beyond symptom relief. A licensed physical therapist evaluates how your body moves to identify the true source of pain.
Physical therapy can help you:
— Reduce pain safely and effectively
— Improve strength and mobility
— Correct movement patterns
— Prevent future injuries
— Return to exercise and daily activities with confidence
— Gain the tools to manage your pain independently
Unlike generic exercise programs, physical therapy is tailored to your body, goals, and lifestyle. Physical therapists are movement specialists with a wide range of tools to help you recover efficiently and sustainably.
Rest vs. Rehab: A Smarter Approach to Recovery
Rest has an important role in healing—but it works best when combined with targeted rehabilitation.
Instead of guessing what your body needs, physical therapy provides a clear, structured plan to address the underlying problem.
Short-term rest + personalized physical therapy = faster, long-lasting recovery.
Pain is not something you have to “push through” or accept as normal. If rest hasn’t helped—or if pain keeps returning—it may be time to see a physical therapist. Early intervention often leads to quicker recovery and fewer long-term issues.
If you’re looking for a personalized approach to recovery, I offer mobile physical therapy services in the Palo Alto area, specializing in orthopedic care for active adults and busy families.
