I've Heard Physical Therapy Is Painful: Is It?

There are lots of reasons why you could need physical therapy. Maybe you’ve recently had foot or ankle surgery and need extra support for full and correct healing. You might have been injured, and need physical therapy to break down scar tissue and restore proper alignment in your feet or ankles. 

Physical therapy can also increase joint stability, protecting you from falls.

With physical therapy, you can improve the condition of your feet and ankles. Physical therapy is a noninvasive form of treatment. But physical therapy can also be intense, as your persistence is key to achieving the best healing results.

At Town Center Foot & Ankle of Kingwood and Atascocita, Texas, Dr. Stephen Eichelsdorfer and our team understand the value of physical therapy, as well as potential patient concerns around associated pain and discomfort. Our podiatric team offers physical therapy support from our Atascocita location.

The ups and downs of physical therapy

Physical therapy is a highly effective way to improve your stability and mobility for the long term. After completing your physical therapy regimen, you can count on your feet and ankles being stronger, more stable, and more flexible.

That said, it’s true that physical therapy can be a challenge. You need to complete all assigned exercises and stretches, and there may be times that you need to keep going with your therapy even after starting to feel stressed or tired.

But physical therapy also meets you where you are. Important as it is to complete your therapy, it’s also essential not to push too hard or risk reinjury.

You can trust Dr. “Ike” Eichelsdorfer to get you through the physical therapy process with a minimum of pain and discomfort. We tailor your recovery plan to your condition, show you how to perform exercises and stretches correctly, and support you with pain management throughout the physical therapy process.

Physical therapy for different treatment needs

Depending on your treatment needs, you may benefit from active or passive physical therapy. Active physical therapy involves you moving your body. In passive physical therapy modalities like therapeutic massage, you rest during treatment.

You may benefit from physical therapy if you live with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Physical therapy can improve healing and reduce pain and swelling, in addition to strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility.

During each of your physical therapy sessions at Town Center Foot & Ankle, we pay attention to your physical condition. If exercises are too painful, we work with you to figure out why. 

We don’t ask you to push too hard with at-home exercises, either. Your recovery is always the most important goal of your treatment.

Different physical therapy modalities

Physical therapy isn’t just stretches and exercises. At Town Center Foot & Ankle, we can add modalities to your physical therapy treatment including:

• Ultrasound therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Hydrotherapy
• Cryotherapy, also known as icing therapy

Talk to us about your physical therapy needs and concerns. We work with you to plan your treatment, including letting you know how long you need physical therapy, continually reevaluating your progress, and customizing your treatment to fit your needs.

For foot and ankle physical therapy that really works and won’t put you through too much pain, contact our podiatry experts at Town Center Foot & Ankle today. Request your appointment online or over the phone now.