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Patient Questions  /  Will physical therapy hurt?

Starting Physical Therapy

Will Physical Therapy Hurt?

It shouldn't hurt a lot. Some exercises may feel uncomfortable, and mild soreness for a day or so after a visit is common, much like after a workout. Your therapist adjusts treatment to what you can handle, so always tell them how you feel.

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What's normal

  • Muscle soreness a day or two after new exercises, which fades as you get stronger.
  • Some discomfort while stretching a stiff joint, for example after surgery, where regaining motion takes steady work.
  • Mild pain during exercise that settles soon after and isn't worse the next day. For many conditions, a little discomfort is OK and doesn't mean you're doing damage.
  • Firm pressure during hands-on treatment, like massage or joint mobilization, that stays within what you can comfortably handle.

Soreness usually eases as your body adapts to the exercises.

What isn't, and why to speak up

  • Sharp or stabbing pain during an exercise.
  • Pain that is clearly worse the next day and doesn't settle.
  • New swelling, numbness or tingling.

None of these mean you should give up. They mean the plan needs adjusting. Your therapist can change the exercise, the amount, or the hands-on work. You are always in control and can ask to slow down or stop at any time.

It helps to rate your pain from 0 to 10 and say whether it feels sharp, aching or burning. That tells your therapist a lot.

If you live with long-term pain, physical therapy usually starts gently and builds slowly, so your body gets used to moving again.

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor or get medical care if you have:

  • Swelling, warmth or redness in the calf, which needs urgent attention
  • Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath: call 911
  • Fever, or redness or drainage at a surgical incision

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A good physical therapist explains what each exercise is for, asks how you're feeling as you go, and adjusts the plan so you can make progress without dreading your visits.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026