Physiotherapy for Acute Pain: Injury Treatment

Physical therapy helps manage recent pain and resume movement and activities. An evaluation helps determine the appropriate exercises, advice, and care based on the specific problem. A follow-up study tracked 32,070 people after their first visit for lower back pain. Among those who received physical therapy, starting treatment within 14 days was associated with fewer detailed imaging tests, doctor visits, surgeries, injections, and opioid prescriptions than when care began later. Healthcare costs were also lower. ¹ The study observes an association; it does not prove that the time to initiation of care causes these differences or that this finding applies to all injuries. ¹ A sprain, a back strain, a sports injury, and post-surgical pain each require a tailored treatment plan. If you’d like to first understand what acute pain is and how it works, check out our comprehensive guide to acute pain.

This guide explains how physical therapy works for acute conditions. You'll learn when to seek treatment, what techniques are used, and what to expect during your treatment.

What is physical therapy for acute pain?

Physical therapy for acute pain combines an assessment, advice, and tailored exercises to relieve recent pain and help you resume your activities. The physical therapist will assess what is limiting your movement, look for signs that require medical attention, and monitor your progress. Signs that require immediate medical care before starting physical therapy are described in our comprehensive guide to acute pain. The treatment plan takes into account your injury, any other health issues you may have, and any post-operative instructions you’ve received.

You can seek treatment even before the pain has gone away. The choice of treatment also matters: in a study of 131 people with back pain, certain signs identified during the evaluation helped pinpoint those who benefited more from manual therapy combined with exercises. Manual therapy involves a brief movement applied by a professional to a joint—the point where two bones meet. This study compares treatments, not whether to seek treatment early or late ².

Optimal load refers to a level of exertion that is appropriate for your abilities and your injury. A physical therapist can adjust the duration, intensity, and type of movement. The recommendation to stay active rather than stay in bed is explained in our guide on acute pain. However, a fracture, a serious injury, or surgery may require prescribed protection or immobilization.

Treatment also addresses issues that may prolong pain or limit a return to normal activities—such as fear of movement, sleep disturbances, or a lack of support. The physical therapist monitors these issues and adapts the treatment accordingly. However, early intervention does not guarantee that persistent pain will be prevented.

For an overview of physiotherapy and its fundamental principles, consult our complete guide to physiotherapy.

Why should you seek medical attention soon after an injury?

Seeking early care allows for an assessment of the injury, determination of permissible activities, and identification of medical care needs. A review of 14 studies—most of which focused on the back and two of which focused on the neck—links early physical therapy to reduced use of certain types of care, without compromising patient outcomes. The quality of the data remains limited ³. The benefit depends on the specific condition and the chosen treatment.

Identify factors that may prolong pain

The factors that can cause recent pain to become persistent are explained in our comprehensive guide to acute pain. Treatment helps you resume your activities and manage any difficulties you may experience, even if the pain persists.

Fear of movement, known as kinesiophobia, can lead some people to avoid certain activities for fear of further injury. This avoidance can perpetuate limitations ⁴. The physical therapist explains which movements are safe and helps you gradually resume them. Prescribed temporary protection remains useful when an injury requires it; it should not be confused with an unjustified fear of any movement.

Protect the injury and resume movement

The PEACE and LOVE protocol is a guideline for treating certain muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries ⁵. These English letters stand for protection at the outset, followed by a gradual return to activities. This framework does not replace the evaluation of a fracture or postoperative instructions.

PEACE (les premiers jours) :

• P, Protection: Avoid actions that worsen symptoms and follow the restrictions you have been given.
• E, elevation: Elevating a swollen limb may help; however, the evidence supporting this measure alone remains limited.
• A, anti-inflammatory drugs: These medications reduce inflammation, a bodily reaction that can cause pain, redness, warmth, or swelling. The authors suggest avoiding them due to concerns about healing. This suggestion is not a blanket ban; the choice of medication should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
• C, compression: A properly fitted bandage can support the limb and help reduce swelling without restricting blood flow.
• E, Education: Understanding care, permitted activities, and signs to watch for.

LOVE (après quelques jours) :

• L, appropriate exertion: gradually resume the permitted workload and movements.
• Oh, optimism: setting realistic expectations and discussing fears. A positive attitude does not guarantee a cure.
• V. Endurance activity: Choose an activity such as walking or cycling, depending on your limitations and tolerance.
• E, exercise: work on mobility, strength, and proprioception—that is, the perception of the body’s position.

Cells respond to the forces generated by movement. They can convert these forces into signals that alter their activity: this process is called mechanotransduction ⁶. This response contributes to tissue adaptation. The appropriate force and the timing of its application depend on the tissue and the injury; the existence of a biological mechanism does not prove that a given exercise accelerates all types of healing.

Understanding the Injury and Easing Concerns

Uncertainty can make dealing with an injury more difficult. An evaluation helps you understand the possible causes, the movements you can make, and the signs to watch for. The professional also explains what remains uncertain and when to reassess the situation.

L’éducation peut réduire les inquiétudes liées à un mal de dos récent. Une revue de 14 essais auprès de 4 872 personnes ayant une Acute pain ou de quelques semaines a trouvé un petit bénéfice sur les inquiétudes, les peurs et d’autres mesures du sentiment d’être rassuré, par rapport aux soins habituels ou à une autre information. La revue de Traeger décrit ces résultats⁷. Pour des douleurs déjà chroniques, une autre revue rapporte des bénéfices sur la douleur, les limitations et les pensées très alarmantes liées à la douleur⁸.

What acute conditions does physical therapy treat?

Physical therapy treats sprains, muscle strains, recent back or neck pain, and recovery from certain surgeries. It can also help with pain related to a bursa or a tendon. The choice of treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity; a serious injury may first require a medical evaluation.

Recent sprains and joint injuries

A sprain involves a ligament, a band of tissue that connects two bones and helps stabilize their joint. Ankle sprains are common: one study estimates that approximately 3.1 million cases were seen in emergency departments in the United States between 2002 and 2006. The knee, wrist, and shoulder can also be sprained. ⁹

The pain from an ankle sprain may subside before balance and control of movement are restored. A review of 14 trials found fewer new sprains at 12 months with exercise-based rehabilitation than with usual care. Rehabilitation refers to care that helps restore abilities and activities ¹⁰. The program is tailored to the specific injury and the individual’s current challenges.

Treatment during the acute phase aims to:

• Control pain and swelling
  
• Maintain joint mobility
  
• Prevent muscle strength loss
  
• Protect the ligament during its healing

To learn more about sprains and ligament injuries, consult our guide on ligament pain and our guide on physiotherapy for ligament pain.

Recent Muscle Strains and Injuries

A muscle strain is a tear in muscle fibers. It can affect the hamstrings at the back of the thigh, the quadriceps at the front, the calves, or the back muscles.

After a muscle strain, the physical therapist determines the appropriate level of initial protection, range of motion, and strengthening exercises. A review on muscle repair highlights the importance of this progression, while noting that much of the current knowledge comes from animal studies. Severe pain, significant loss of strength, or a serious injury requires an evaluation before straining the muscle. ¹¹

Le renforcement progressif peut inclure des exercices excentriques : le muscle travaille pendant qu’il s’allonge. Le physiothérapeute choisit le mouvement et sa difficulté selon la blessure. Dans un essai auprès de 75 joueurs de soccer d’élite ayant un claquage à l’arrière de la cuisse, un programme axé sur le travail du muscle en allongement a permis un retour à l’entraînement complet et à la sélection pour un match en moyenne après 28 jours, contre 51 avec le programme conventionnel. L’essai d’Askling décrit ce résultat¹². Ces délais ne s’appliquent pas à toutes les déchirures musculaires.

To learn more, consult our guide on muscle pain and our guide on physiotherapy for muscle pain.

Platelet-rich plasma is a preparation derived from blood that contains higher levels of platelets—small blood cells that help form a clot to stop bleeding. In a trial involving athletes with an acute hamstring injury, these injections did not shorten the time to return to sports or reduce the incidence of new injuries compared with a placebo injection—which did not contain the study drug—used as a control ¹³. This result applies specifically to this injury and this particular treatment.

Acute Episodes of Back Pain

A sudden back spasm, a stiff back, and lumbago all describe an acute episode of lower back pain—that is, recent pain in the lower back. The pain may limit walking, changes in position, or work.

Many cases of recent back pain improve over the course of several weeks. In a study of 103 people with localized pain that had lasted less than 72 hours, 90% had recovered after two weeks; this finding applies to this specific group ¹⁴. Recommendations emphasize providing information, maintaining appropriate activities, and receiving care tailored to individual needs ¹⁵.

A trial involving 220 adults with back pain lasting less than 16 days compared four physical therapy sessions to usual care, with no additional intervention during the first four weeks. All participants received information. The physical therapy group experienced slightly less difficulty with daily activities after three months. The difference remained below the threshold set by the researchers for a clinically significant improvement. There were no clear differences between the groups in terms of pain or healthcare utilization; the benefit regarding daily activities was no longer evident after one year ¹⁶.

Acute Episodes of Neck Pain

A stiff neck, or acute neck pain—that is, recent neck pain—can occur after a movement or prolonged posture, sometimes without any specific cause. The pain may limit head movement.

Physical therapy may combine neck exercises and manual therapy to relieve pain and improve movement. A review found that certain manipulations produce better results than certain medications for recent neck pain. However, neck manipulations and mobilizations yield similar results in other comparisons. The number of trials and their quality limit the certainty of these conclusions ¹⁷. The practitioner selects the technique after an evaluation and discusses its benefits and risks.

Bursitis and Tendinitis in the Inflammatory Phase

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small sac of fluid that reduces friction between tissues. Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. However, tendon pain is not always caused by inflammation. These problems can affect the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee.

Relative rest involves temporarily reducing movements that worsen symptoms, while continuing permitted activities. The physical therapist may adjust a movement, the load, or the duration of an activity. The plan adheres to necessary restrictions and takes into account factors that may contribute to the problem, without assuming that the cause is always known.

Post-Operative Pain

After surgery, physical therapy helps patients regain movement, strength, and independence in their daily lives. The start date, the amount of weight-bearing allowed, and the exercises prescribed depend on the type of surgery and the surgical team’s instructions.

In a study of 1,504 people who received a total knee replacement—an artificial joint that replaces damaged surfaces—all began physical therapy the day after surgery. Those who walked on that very day had an adjusted average hospital stay that was 0.44 days shorter than those who began walking two days later. They were also more likely to regain the ability to bend their knee at a right angle. There was no clear difference in readmissions to the hospital within 90 days ¹⁸. This study observes an association; it does not prove that starting to walk earlier alone explains these results.

How does physical therapy treatment for acute pain work?

Physical therapy treatment progresses from protection and pain relief to movement, strength, and a return to activities. These stages overlap and are tailored to the injury, medical guidelines, and your response. They do not follow the same timeline for everyone.

Immediate Phase (0 to 72 hours)

In the first few days after an injury, the main goal is to control pain and protect the tissues without hindering the healing process.

What your physiotherapist does:

• Assess your injury and look for signs that indicate you need medical attention
  
• Teaches you appropriate protection techniques
  
• Shows you gentle movements to do within your pain limits
  
• Gives you advice on using ice, compression, and elevation
  
• Discusses appropriate medication use with your doctor

At this stage, protection may involve reducing exertion or providing support to the injured area. Permitted movements should remain gentle and within a comfortable range. Any prescribed immobilization must be followed. The level of exertion should be determined based on the tissue, the injury, and the activity to be resumed ¹⁹.

Early Recovery Phase

Healing and inflammation can occur simultaneously. The progression of movements should be determined based on the patient’s tolerance, the severity of the injury, and any restrictions imposed, rather than on the assumption that healing begins only after a few days.

What your physiotherapist does:

• Gradually increases joint mobility
  
• Introduces light strengthening exercises
  
• Uses manual techniques to reduce stiffness and pain
  
• Encourage light, approved endurance activities, such as walking or using a stationary bike
  
• Continues education on the healing process

Gradual movement helps restore the abilities needed for daily activities. The POLICE framework combines protection, appropriate exercise, ice, compression, and elevation of the limb. It recommends tailoring the level of exercise while protecting vulnerable tissues; it emphasizes that a one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for all injuries ²⁰. Tendons can adapt their structure to the demands placed on them. This adaptation depends on the amount of exertion and the recovery period between sessions ²¹. An increase that is too great or too rapid may exceed the tissue’s current capacity.

Gradual Recovery Phase

Gradual recovery aims to increase strength, endurance, and the ability to perform your usual activities. The physical therapist selects exercises that prepare you for specific tasks, such as climbing stairs or carrying an object.

What your physiotherapist does:

• Increases the intensity of strengthening exercises
  
• Works on muscle endurance
  
• Improves proprioception (your body's sense of position)
  
• Introduces exercises specific to your activities
  
• Prepares for return to normal activities

Mild discomfort may sometimes be tolerated during an approved exercise, depending on the condition being treated. However, this should not be used as an excuse to ignore increasing pain or a medical restriction. A study of 40 young women with pain around the patella—the bone at the front of the knee—used a program combining pain management and exercise, with improvements observed in both exercise groups compared ²². This study does not establish an acceptable pain threshold for all acute injuries. Report any worsening of symptoms to your physical therapist so the program can be adjusted.

Return to Activities Phase

A full return to activities depends on strength, mobility, balance, and tolerance for the required movements. The timeline takes into account the nature of the injury and medical recommendations. Mild pain is not sufficient to warrant participating in a demanding sport.

What your physiotherapist does:

• Assesses if you have recovered enough strength and mobility
  
• Guides you through a gradual progression back to your activities
  
• Identifies factors that may increase the risk of a new injury and adapts the program accordingly
  
• Provides you with a long-term maintenance program

The disappearance of pain alone is not enough to determine when to return to sports. The physical therapist also assesses the necessary physical abilities and plans for a gradual return to activity. Weakness or a lack of balance may still require exercises even after symptoms have improved.

What techniques are used to treat acute pain?

Physical therapy uses education, exercises, and certain manual therapies to manage acute pain and restore movement. Cold or heat can provide relief. Kinesiology taping can be helpful for certain injuries. The choice depends on the evaluation and your needs.

Therapeutic Education

L’éducation thérapeutique vous aide à comprendre la douleur, les mouvements permis et le plan de récupération²³. Elle a aussi été étudiée pour le mal de dos aigu. Dans un essai auprès de 202 personnes à risque de douleur persistante, deux heures supplémentaires d’éducation ont amélioré le sentiment d’être rassuré après une semaine, sans mieux réduire la douleur après trois mois que deux heures d’Listen attentive ajoutées aux soins habituels. L’essai de Traeger détaille les résultats et leurs limites²⁴.

Your physiotherapist explains:

• What the Evaluation Reveals About Your Injury
  
• How the healing process works
  
• What you can and cannot do
  
• How long recovery will likely take
  
• What changes in symptoms should be monitored, and what signs require prompt medical attention?

These explanations provide you with guidelines for participating in your treatment. You can ask questions, set goals, and determine when to adjust an activity or request a new evaluation.

Therapeutic Exercises

The exercises are designed to help you regain the movements and activities that are difficult for you. For chronic back pain, a review reports generally modest benefits of exercise on pain and functional limitations. Results vary depending on the duration of the pain and the exercise program. The type, intensity, and progression of the exercises are tailored to your condition. The results described above for recent back pain and muscle injuries highlight the importance of choosing the right program. ^{25, 26}

Mobility exercises: Gentle movements aimed at restoring range of motion. For example, bending and straightening a joint within its permissible range gradually prepares the body for everyday activities.

Strength-building exercises: These exercises gradually increase the workload on the muscles to help restore strength. Resistance can come from body weight, a resistance band, or a weight. Preventing a recurrence of the injury also depends on the specific issue and the other exercises in the program.

Exercices de stabilisation : ces exercices entraînent le contrôle des muscles et la coordination autour de la région blessée. Le choix dépend des difficultés observées à l’évaluation.

Exercices aérobiques, ou d’endurance : la marche, le vélo ou la natation peuvent aider à maintenir la capacité de soutenir un effort. Choisissez une activité autorisée et tolérée. Une plaie opératoire ou une restriction d’appui peut limiter certaines options.

You don't necessarily have to complete all the mobility exercises before starting strength training or a daily activity. These exercises can be combined depending on your injury.

Manual techniques

Manual techniques use the practitioner’s hands to apply movements or pressure. They can help relieve pain or improve range of motion, depending on the condition. The practitioner combines them with other components of the treatment plan when it meets your needs. The choice of technique takes into account your situation and your consent. ²⁷ A manual technique is not a mandatory step before beginning exercises.

Joint mobilization: The practitioner gently moves a joint. For a recent ankle sprain, the 2021 clinical guideline recommends mobilization within a pain-free range of motion, in conjunction with exercises, to facilitate movement and walking. The mechanisms by which manual therapy affects pain are still being studied ²⁸²⁷.

Massage : des pressions et des mouvements appliqués avec les mains peuvent aider à soulager certaines douleurs. Dans un essai auprès de 401 adultes ayant un mal de dos chronique, le massage de détente a réduit les limitations et la gêne causée par les symptômes après dix semaines, davantage que les soins habituels. Les participants savaient s’ils recevaient un massage, ce qui limite l’interprétation. Ce résultat ne fixe pas l’effet du massage après une blessure récente. L’essai de Cherkin précise ces bénéfices²⁹. Après une entorse ou un claquage récent, évitez de masser la région dans les premiers jours.

Mouvements de glissement des nerfs : certains exercices font bouger un nerf par rapport aux tissus voisins. Ils peuvent être proposés pour une irritation nerveuse précise, comme le syndrome du canal carpien, où un nerf est comprimé au poignet. Le service de santé Berkshire décrit ces exercices³⁰. Une aggravation demande une pause et un avis professionnel; ces mouvements ne conviennent pas automatiquement à toute Acute pain.

If manual therapy relieves your symptoms, that relief can make it easier to move and exercise. The plan remains focused on the activities you need to resume and is reassessed based on your response.

Options to Complement Treatment

Cold, heat, and support can complement the exercises when they address a specific need. You don't have to use an option that bothers you or doesn't help you.

Ice can temporarily numb the area and provide relief. Its effect on recovery time remains uncertain. If you use it, wrap it in a cloth and avoid prolonged application or use on numb skin. ^{31, 32}

Heat can provide temporary relief or comfort. It does not repair injured tissue. Avoid using heat on a recently swollen injury during the first few days, and stop if it increases discomfort. Protect the skin and follow the advice you have been given.

Le taping (notre guide sur le taping thérapeutique) : un ruban adhésif, rigide ou élastique selon l’objectif, peut servir de soutien. Pour une entorse récente de la cheville, le guide clinique recommande un soutien adapté, comme une attelle ou un taping, avec une reprise progressive de l’appui et des exercices. Le type de soutien dépend de la gravité et de la protection nécessaire.

How many sessions are needed to treat acute pain?

The number of sessions depends on the injury, its severity, and the activities you wish to resume. There is no one-size-fits-all number for all cases of acute pain. For example, the study on recent back pain described above involved four sessions over four weeks; this research program does not determine your individual needs.

Session frequency

The first few sessions are used to develop a treatment plan, assess your response to the exercises, and adjust the activities as needed. The physical therapist will recommend the frequency of follow-up visits based on your needs and discuss with you what you can do at home.

As you make progress: Appointments can be spaced out if you are able to continue the exercises and adjust your activities on your own. A new challenge may require more frequent follow-up.

As you resume your activities, we will gradually space out your appointments. We’ll adjust the frequency based on your progress and needs to help you safely return to your normal activities.

Total treatment duration

La durée du traitement dépend de la récupération des capacités, et pas seulement de la disparition de la douleur. Beaucoup de personnes se sentent mieux environ deux semaines après une entorse ou un claquage; une blessure importante peut toutefois demander plusieurs mois. Le NHS décrit ces délais après une entorse ou un claquage³³. Après une opération, les restrictions de l’équipe chirurgicale encadrent la progression. Ces délais ne signifient pas qu’une séance est nécessaire chaque semaine jusqu’à guérison.

When to expect results

First sessions: You’ll receive instructions and a plan for the movements and activities. You may experience relief, but it’s not guaranteed after the first visit.

Early in your recovery: Pay attention to your pain, but also to the activities that have become easier, such as walking, getting dressed, or changing positions. If your pain increases rapidly or you notice any warning signs, seek the care described in our comprehensive guide to acute pain—don’t wait until your next follow-up appointment.

Over the course of several weeks: The plan progresses based on the activities you resume and how you respond to the exercises. If your progress does not meet the agreed-upon expectations, the physical therapist will reassess the plan and determine whether a second opinion is needed.

Preventing new injuries and maintaining your functional abilities are part of the recovery process. Their role in the program depends on the challenges you still face and your goals.

What sets Physioactif apart when it comes to treating acute pain?

Physioactif offers an assessment, tailored exercises, and monitoring of your return to activity for acute pain. Our team strives to see you promptly, explain the treatment plan, and adjust it based on your progress. Preventing new injuries is one of our goals when it applies to your situation.

Prompt care

We understand that acute pain requires prompt attention. We do our best to schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible—ideally within the first few days after your injury.

A comprehensive assessment

During the first session, the physical therapist will assess your symptoms, your range of motion, and the activities you find difficult; they will also ask you about how the pain began. The physical therapist will look for possible causes and signs that warrant a medical evaluation. Some issues may require tests or an evaluation by another professional. Your work, activities, goals, and preferences are also part of the discussion. This information helps in choosing a treatment plan tailored to your daily life.

An active approach from the start

The first session can provide you with practical tools: tailored exercises, ways to manage symptoms, and advice on how to continue with permitted activities. Prescribed protective gear remains a priority when the injury requires it.

Follow-up tailored to your progress

We adjust your treatment as you heal. Each session is adapted to your stage of recovery and your response to treatment.

Emphasis on prevention

The follow-up also examines factors that may increase the risk of re-injury, such as a lack of strength, poor balance, or returning to activity too soon. The exercises and adjustments are tailored to the specific difficulties observed.

How to book an appointment for an assessment?

Vous pouvez Make an appointment en ligne ou appeler une clinique Physioactif pour une évaluation. Au Québec, une ordonnance médicale n’est pas nécessaire pour consulter directement un physiothérapeute. L’Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec explique cet accès³⁴. Les signes d’alerte décrits dans notre guide complet sur la Acute pain demandent toutefois des soins médicaux sans attendre ce rendez-vous.

Our team will help you find the physical therapist best suited to your condition.

If you have questions before booking an appointment, don't hesitate to contact us. We can help you determine if physiotherapy is appropriate for your situation.

To learn more about treatments and the care process, visit our page on physical therapy.

What are some frequently asked questions about physical therapy for acute pain?

Frequently asked questions cover when to seek medical attention, pain during treatment, tests, home care, work, medications, exercise, and insurance. They also address the duration of follow-up care and how this differs from chronic pain.

How long should I wait before seeing a physiotherapist?

You can request an evaluation within the first few days, without waiting for the pain to go away. For acute back pain, a trial involving 110 people in the emergency room compared two treatment approaches. The more comprehensive early intervention program resulted in an additional average reduction of 1.6 out of 10 on the pain scale upon discharge from the emergency room and higher satisfaction. This benefit diminished over time. The finding applies to the overall care studied, not to any single technique. A serious injury or warning sign requires appropriate medical care first. ³⁵

Will physiotherapy make it hurt more at first?

Not necessarily. The goal is to relieve your pain, not to worsen it. However, some exercises or techniques might cause temporary discomfort. If a technique causes you too much pain, tell your physiotherapist. The treatment will be adjusted.

Do I need to have any imaging tests before my appointment?

An X-ray primarily shows bones. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, produces more detailed images of various tissues. These tests are not necessary before every visit. For back pain with no signs of a serious underlying cause, a review found that imaging performed right away does not yield better results than treatment without immediate imaging. Changes also appear on images of people without pain; they must therefore be interpreted in conjunction with symptoms and the physical examination. Your physical therapist will advise you if an imaging test is warranted. ³⁶³⁷

What should I do while waiting for my appointment?

Protect the affected area and avoid actions that worsen symptoms. For a swollen limb, elevation and appropriate compression can help. Continue with permitted movements; follow any prescribed immobilization. Cold therapy remains an option for relief. If you notice any warning signs, see your doctor immediately.

Can I continue to work while I have an acute injury?

It depends on the nature of your job and your injury. Many people can continue to work with temporary modifications. Your physiotherapist can advise you on possible adaptations and activities to temporarily avoid.

Will anti-inflammatories slow down my healing?

L’effet des anti-inflammatoires sur la réparation musculaire dépend du contexte; les données humaines et animales ne permettent pas une interdiction générale pour toute blessure³⁸. Pour des blessures récentes des muscles ou des articulations, hors mal de dos, un guide clinique recommande notamment certains anti-inflammatoires appliqués sur la peau et permet certaines options par la bouche³⁹ pour la douleur. Votre médecin ou votre pharmacien vérifie la dose, la durée et les risques selon votre santé. Ne modifiez pas un médicament prescrit à partir du seul acronyme PEACE.

When can I return to sports after an injury?

La réponse dépend de la blessure, de sa gravité et du sport pratiqué. La disparition de la douleur ne signifie pas que la guérison est complète. Votre physiothérapeute peut vous guider dans une reprise progressive et sécuritaire. En général, vous devriez avoir récupéré votre force et votre mobilité avant de reprendre le sport.

Do my insurance plans cover physiotherapy?

Private insurance in Quebec may cover part of the cost of physical therapy. The amount and number of sessions covered vary depending on the plan. Check with your insurer for details about your coverage. We can provide you with the receipts you need for your claims.

If my pain quickly decreases, should I still continue physiotherapy?

Decreasing pain is encouraging. Talk to your physical therapist about the abilities you still need to regain and what you can continue doing at home. Following an ankle sprain, a trial involving 522 athletes compared standard care with or without eight weeks of balance exercises at home. New sprains reported at one year occurred in 22% of the exercise group and 33% of the group receiving standard care alone. This benefit pertains to this program following a sprain, not to the need to prolong physical therapy in general. ⁴⁰

What is the difference between physical therapy for acute pain and physical therapy for chronic pain?

Physical therapy for acute pain tailors activities to a recent injury and any necessary protective measures. Chronic pain persists or recurs for more than three months. In both cases, treatment takes into account the body, concerns, sleep, and life circumstances. When pain persists, the treatment plan may place greater emphasis on long-term challenges and resuming activities despite certain symptoms. See our guide on physical therapy for chronic pain. ⁴¹

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Nos physiothérapeutes ont défini la stratégie de recherche, le plan et le contenu clinique de cet article. Un outil d’IA a soutenu la recherche documentaire et la révision du texte pour assurer une cohérence du contenu et du style d’écriture.