When Should You See a Physical Therapist?

ashley92801
Jan 30
3 min read

Many people think physical therapy is something you do after surgery or once pain becomes unbearable. In reality, seeing a physical therapist earlier can often prevent injuries from getting worse, reduce pain faster, and help you avoid unnecessary imaging, medication, or surgery.

So how do you know when it’s time to see a physical therapist? Here are some clear signs.

1. Your Pain Isn’t Going Away on Its Own

If pain lasts more than 1–2 weeks despite rest, ice, or over-the-counter medication, it’s a sign that your body may need guided intervention.

Physical therapists don’t just treat symptoms—we identify the root cause of pain and address movement patterns, strength deficits, or mobility restrictions that prevent healing.

Common examples:

Ongoing back or neck pain
Persistent joint pain (hip, knee, shoulder)
Pain that keeps returning

2. Pain Is Limiting Your Daily Activities

If pain interferes with everyday tasks, it’s time to seek help. This includes difficulty with:

Walking or standing for long periods
Sitting at work
Sleeping comfortably
Getting dressed or putting on shoes
Climbing stairs

You don’t need to “push through it.” Pain that limits daily life is not normal—and physical therapy can help restore function safely.

3. You’ve Been Injured (Even if It Seems Minor)

Minor injuries can become major problems when left untreated. A physical therapist can help with:

Sprains and strains
Sports injuries
Work-related injuries
Falls or near-falls

Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and reduces the risk of chronic pain or re-injury.

4. You’re Feeling Weak, Stiff, or Unstable

You don’t have to be in pain to benefit from physical therapy.

You should consider seeing a physical therapist if you notice:

Loss of strength
Joint stiffness
Balance problems
Fear of falling
Reduced mobility with aging

PT can help you move more confidently, stay independent, and reduce fall risk—especially as we get older.

5. You’re Trying to Avoid Surgery or Pain Medication

Physical therapy is often the first-line treatment for many orthopedic conditions, including:

Arthritis
Rotator cuff injuries
Low back pain
Knee pain
Hip pain

In many cases, PT can reduce pain enough to delay or avoid surgery and minimize reliance on medications.

6. You’re Preparing for Surgery

Seeing a physical therapist before surgery—often called prehabilitation—can significantly improve outcomes.

Benefits include:

Stronger muscles going into surgery
Better mobility afterward
Faster recovery
Reduced complications

This is especially helpful before joint replacements, spine surgery, or orthopedic procedures.

7. You’re Recovering After Surgery

If you’ve already had surgery, physical therapy is essential to:

Restore strength and range of motion
Improve walking and movement
Reduce stiffness and scar tissue
Safely return to daily activities

Skipping or delaying PT after surgery can slow recovery and limit long-term results.

8. You’re Not Sure What’s Causing Your Pain

You don’t need a diagnosis to see a physical therapist.

PTs are movement experts trained to assess:

How your body moves
Where restrictions or weaknesses exist
What may be contributing to your symptoms

In many states, direct access allows you to see a physical therapist without a physician referral.

The Bottom Line

You should consider seeing a physical therapist if:

Pain lasts longer than expected
Movement feels limited or unstable
Daily activities are harder than they should be
You want to recover faster or avoid surgery

The earlier you address the problem, the easier it often is to fix.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If pain or movement issues are holding you back, a physical therapist can help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love.

Contact us at Restorative Therapy Co. today at (757) 578-2958 to schedule an evaluation or ask if physical therapy is right for you.

Contributed by Ashley Scifres, PT, DPT