How Long Should You Wait Before Starting Physiotherapy After an Injury?

Picture of Sean-Michael Latimour

Sean-Michael Latimour

RMT, SMT (cc), DOMP, CST, PTS, MNLP Clinic Owner, Registered Massage Therapist, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and Sport Massage Therapist.

Picture of Sean-Michael Latimour

Sean-Michael Latimour

RMT, SMT (cc), DOMP, CST, PTS, MNLP Clinic Owner, Registered Massage Therapist, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and Sport Massage Therapist.

If you’ve recently had an injury—whether it’s a sprained ankle, strained back, or pulled muscle—you’re probably wondering:

“Should I start physiotherapy right away or give it some time?”

It’s one of the most common questions we get at our clinic in Keswick. Here’s what you should know.

Every Injury Is Different

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people benefit from early intervention, while others need a few days of rest first.

Here’s a general breakdown:

1. Mild Injuries (like minor sprains or strains):

Physiotherapy can often begin within a few days to help reduce pain and prevent stiffness.

2. Moderate to Severe Injuries (like ligament tears or fractures):

You may need to wait until the swelling or inflammation decreases, typically 1–2 weeks. But gentle mobility and pain management techniques can start earlier with professional guidance.

Why Waiting Too Long Can Be a Problem

It’s common to “wait and see” if the pain goes away on its own. But that often leads to:

  • Compensating with poor movement habits
  • Loss of strength and flexibility
  • Longer recovery times

Starting physiotherapy early—under the care of a licensed therapist—helps you heal better and get back to your routine safely.

Signs You’re Ready to Start Physio

– Swelling is under control
– You can move the area with minimal pain
– You’re ready to rebuild strength and mobility

Still unsure? Book an initial assessment to find out the best timing for your body.

Let’s Get You Back to Feeling Your Best

At Dynamic Health Therapy, we help patients in Keswick recover faster with customized physiotherapy plans—whether you were injured yesterday or a few weeks ago.

Local experts in injury recovery
Explore our physiotherapy services
Book your assessment

Picture of Sean-Michael Latimour

Sean-Michael Latimour

RMT, SMT (cc), DOMP, CST, PTS, MNLP

Picture of Sean-Michael Latimour

Sean-Michael Latimour

RMT, SMT (cc), DOMP, CST, PTS, MNLP

Clinic Owner, Registered Massage Therapist, Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and Sport Massage Therapist

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