“Can physical therapy make shoulder pain worse?”
After physical therapy for shoulder pain I started to feel worse. Is it normal? Should I see another doctor?
3 Answers
This can be normal. Physical therapy is not a walk in the park, it can be rough. If not seeing progress, consider a 2nd opinion.
If therapy isn't working or making the condition worse, then it's time for further investigation such as an MRI. You don't need another doctor, but your doctor needs to look further at your condition.
Sometimes PT can cause a temporary flare up of shoulder pain. You may need to communicate with PT that you may have done too much too soon that has caused some increased pain. Some soreness is okay, but increased pain 2 hours later or overnight suggests you and your PT may need to change or alter program. Rest, ice, etc.
Mark Burt, M.D.
Mark Burt, M.D.
