If you’ve recently experienced an injury—whether from a slip and fall, a sports mishap, or even a minor car accident—you might be wondering “how long after an injury should you start physical therapy?”. At Beverly Physiotherapy, we understand that the idea of moving your body again after an injury can feel overwhelming. Rest assured, our team is here to support you with personalized care and expert guidance every step of the way.
Starting Physical Therapy
In general, early intervention with physiotherapy is often beneficial. For many common injuries like sprains, strains, or soft tissue trauma, gentle physical therapy can begin right away after a thorough assessment of the injury by a physiotherapist. That doesn’t mean jumping into intense activity, it means starting slow, focusing on range of motion, light mobility, and reducing inflammation.
Every injury is unique, and healing timelines can vary. For more significant injuries like fractures or surgical interventions, you may need to wait until your doctor clears you to begin physiotherapy treatment. However, delaying treatment can also have detrimental effects on recovery. That’s why it’s so important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider or physiotherapist. They can help you determine the best timeline for starting physiotherapy.
The Benefits of Early Physiotherapy
Starting physiotherapy early can help:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Prevent stiffness and loss of mobility
- Support better circulation and faster healing
- Restore strength and function
- Reduce compensatory strain on other parts of the body
- Build confidence in moving again and getting back into activities
- Minimize long-term complications and help prevent recurrence
Even if you feel hesitant to move, guided exercises and treatments can actually speed up recovery by encouraging a safe, gradual progression of activity.
What If It’s Been A While Since the Injury?
It’s never too late to benefit from physiotherapy. Whether it’s been weeks, months, or even years since your injury, there are often lingering issues that can be addressed—like tightness, weakness, or imbalances. A thorough assessment and thoughtful treatment plan can help restore your mobility and ease daily activities, even long after the original injury.
How Beverly Physiotherapy Can Help
At Beverly Physiotherapy, we take a gentle, patient-centred approach to treatment. Our team will meet you where you are, whether you’re just starting to recover or looking to regain strength from an old injury. We’ll guide you with practical exercises, hands-on therapies, and supportive care to help you feel better and move better.
We’re happy to answer your questions if you’re wondering when to start. Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment.
