So you’ve had your physiotherapy appointment, and you’ve been reassured that you might be a little sore after the physio session. But the next morning when you wake up, you feel like you’ve been hit by a bus. Why?
There are lots of reasons why pain might be worse in the morning. After we’ve slept (good or bad) we generally have spent a good amount of time lying in one position. This can mean that our muscles and soft tissues stiffen up, and our blood flow reduces in certain areas. When we go to move, it feels like those soft tissues are screaming at us until we can increase that blood flow and free things off a little. Usually this lasts only a few minutes.
You might still have inflammation in your area of pain, and this can cause morning stiffness of up to 30 minutes. This is a pain, but fortunately quite normal.
What happens after my physio session?
After your physio has used their hands (elbows) to manipulate your joints and soft tissues, you may feel the after effects of the stretching, including bruising (sorry about that). This too is normal, and generally gentle movement will help to alleviate these effects.
Generally if your pain is worse after a session with your physio, it will be a kind of “good” pain, rather than an increase in the symptoms that you came in with.
Here is some advice for how to ease into that "day after" feeling:
- Drink plenty of water – hydration really helps to shift stiffness out of your body, as well as replenish the blood flow around any bruises
- Move gently – if your physio has been brutal with you (once again, sorry about that), then take their advice to go easy on your exercise or activities in the next 24-48 hours
- Do move – don’t just take to your bed, make sure you get out for a gentle walk, do some yoga, or go for a short swim
If you have any queries about appointments at Physioflexx, or need any advice on how to get over them, please call us on 01560 483200.
Further Information
If you have any questions about back or shoulder pain, or would like to book an appointment to see a physiotherapist, please click here to book. Book Online - Physioflexx Ayrshire
For all equiries : Contact – Physioflexx Ayrshire on 01560 483200.
