Physical therapy should not be painful. That said, however, because it involves injured, inflamed, or chronically painful body areas, the treatment procedure may cause mild discomfort. Additionally, the body may be sore following a deep tissue massage or stretching exercise. This is because mobilizing, strengthening, and stretching the affected area requires a combination of specific movements, and physical manipulation, sometimes resulting in post-session soreness.

Muscles or ligaments which have become weak and rigid over time require specialized exercises. Minor irritation may develop in the area as a result of this. However, the soreness should not be a source of discomfort. If an individual experiences excessive discomfort or creates severe pain following a session, the issue should be discussed with the physical therapist, who can adjust the treatment accordingly. Additionally, a therapist may use a hot-cold application, following the procedure, to aid in the reduction of soreness.

Another critical point to remember: Each individual is unique. As a result, pain thresholds will vary significantly, from one person to the next. This fact reinforces the importance of communication; intense pain during therapy may indicate a more serious underlying problem. Physical therapists are specially trained to recognize when a technique or exercise is causing undue discomfort, and can quickly adjust the regimen to alleviate the pain.