This is a question I hear all the time.
Often it comes after someone has tried everything else. Stretching, foam rolling, rest, even ibuprofen. The pain may ease for a short time, but it always seems to return. If you have found yourself asking, “Why should I try physical therapy?” it is usually because your body needs more than temporary relief.
The issue is not effort or motivation. It is how the body is moving. If you are asking yourself, “Why should I try physical therapy?” it is often because your body needs help restoring the way it is meant to move.
When Your Body Stops Moving the Way It Should
When we are injured, or when pain has been present for a long time, joints and tissues often lose their natural ability to move as they should. Other muscles step in to help, movement patterns change, and the body adapts the best way it can.
That is why stretching or rolling can feel good at the moment but does not always lead to lasting change. You may be treating the area that hurts, but not the reason it hurts.
Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement where it is missing.
Looking at the Whole Picture
One of the most important parts of my work is understanding how joints move together, not just on their own. Pain does not always show up where the real problem is. A shoulder that hurts may be influenced by how the ribs or upper back move. Hip pain often has more to do with the pelvis or spine than the hip itself.
When I work with someone, I look at how their body moves as a whole. How they stand, walk, reach, and breathe. These movement patterns often tell a much clearer story than pain alone.
Why Hands-On Work Matters
Hands-on treatment plays a significant role in physical therapy. Using skilled manual techniques, I help joints and tissues move more freely so the body can begin to function normally again. Once movement improves, we build strength in a way that supports daily life, not just exercises for the sake of exercise.
The goal is not to push through pain. It is to help the body relearn efficient, comfortable movement.
Physical Therapy Is Not Just for Injuries
You do not need a major injury or surgery to benefit from physical therapy. People seek physical therapy for many reasons such as:
- Something just does not feel right anymore
- Stiffness keeps coming back
- Pain limits exercise or Pilates practice
- Discomfort shows up during everyday activities
- Old injuries never fully resolved
Addressing these issues earlier often prevents them from turning into bigger problems later.
A Simple Way to Start the Year
January is a natural time to check in with your body. If pain or limited movement has become normal, physical therapy can help you understand why and what to do about it.
If you have been wondering whether physical therapy is right for you, it may be time to stop managing symptoms and start restoring how your body moves.
At Kathleen McDonough Physical Therapy and Pilates, care is thoughtful, hands-on, and focused on helping you move with confidence again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy
How do I know if physical therapy is right for me?
If you are dealing with pain, stiffness, or movement limitations that are not improving on their own, physical therapy can help. Some people come in after an injury, while others simply notice that something does not feel right anymore. If daily activities, exercise, or Pilates feel harder than they should, that is often a sign your body could benefit from physical therapy.
Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?
In many cases, no. California allows direct access to physical therapy, which means you can often begin care without a physician referral. If a referral is required for insurance reasons, I can help you understand what is needed.
Will physical therapy be painful?
Physical therapy should not feel like you are being pushed through pain. Some mild discomfort can happen as stiff or irritated tissues begin to move again, but treatment is always guided by how your body responds. The goal is to help you move more comfortably, not to make things worse.
How long does physical therapy usually take?
There is no one answer that fits everyone. Some patients notice improvement within a few visits, while others need more time, especially if the issue has been present for a long time. The focus is always on steady progress and realistic goals that fit your lifestyle.
Is physical therapy only for people recovering from surgery or injuries?
Not at all. Physical therapy is just as helpful for chronic pain, recurring stiffness, posture-related issues, and movement limitations that develop over time. Others come in simply because they want to move better or reduce the chance of future problems.
Can physical therapy help if I have already tried exercise or stretching on my own?
Yes. Physical therapy is often helpful when self-directed exercise or stretching has not led to lasting improvement. It allows us to identify where movement is missing or restricted and address those areas directly, rather than guessing which exercises might help.
How does physical therapy work alongside Pilates?
Physical therapy and Pilates work very well together. Physical therapy helps restore mobility, alignment, and proper movement patterns. Pilates then builds strength, control, and awareness on that foundation, supporting long-term movement and confidence.
