Dealing with an injury can feel like life is on pause. Suddenly, even simple things—like walking, lifting, or bending—can become a challenge. If you’ve been injured, you might be asking yourself, “When can I start physiotherapy and get back to feeling like myself again?” It’s a great question, and one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.

Start too soon, and you might risk aggravating the injury. Wait too long, and stiffness or muscle weakness could creep in. So, when’s the right time? Let’s break it all down in simple, no-nonsense terms so you know exactly what to expect and how to navigate your recovery.

Why Does Timing Matter in Physiotherapy?

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “timing is everything,” and it couldn’t be truer when it comes to physiotherapy. The goal of physiotherapy is to help you heal, move better, and prevent future problems—but starting at the wrong time can backfire.

Jumping into therapy too early might overstress your injured area, slowing down your progress or even making things worse. On the flip side, waiting too long can leave you with stiff joints, weakened muscles, or scar tissue that makes recovery harder.

The good news? With a little guidance, you can find the sweet spot—the perfect time to start physiotherapy so you heal safely and effectively.

How Soon Should You Start Physiotherapy?

The truth is, the timing depends on your specific injury. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer because every body—and every injury—is different. Here are a few common scenarios to help you understand when you might be ready to start:

1. Mild Injuries: Sprains, Strains, and Minor Fractures

For minor injuries like an ankle sprain or a pulled muscle, you might be able to start physiotherapy within a couple of days. Early therapy is usually gentle and focused on managing pain, reducing swelling, and maintaining basic mobility.

For example, if you’ve twisted your ankle, your physiotherapist might help you with light range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and improve blood flow. However, if the swelling is still severe or you’re in significant pain, you may need to wait a little longer before starting.

2. Serious Injuries or Surgery

If your injury is more serious—like a torn ligament, a broken bone, or a surgery recovery—the timeline is going to look different. Your doctor will usually recommend waiting a few days to a few weeks before starting physiotherapy, depending on the injury.

For example, after knee surgery, you might start therapy within a week to focus on gentle exercises and maintaining flexibility. But if you’ve had a more complex procedure, your doctor and physiotherapist will work together to create a plan that matches your recovery pace.

3. Chronic Injuries or Long-Term Conditions

If you’re dealing with something more long-term—like arthritis or an old injury that keeps acting up—you don’t necessarily need to wait to start physiotherapy. In fact, starting as soon as you notice discomfort or stiffness can help prevent things from getting worse. Chronic conditions benefit from ongoing care, so the earlier you get help, the better.

How Do You Know You’re Ready to Start?

It’s not always obvious when to start physiotherapy, but there are some signs that your body is ready. Here’s what to look for:

• Swelling has gone down. If your injury was swollen, wait until the swelling starts to subside before jumping into therapy.
• Pain is more manageable. You don’t need to be completely pain-free, but you should feel like you can tolerate light movement.
• Your doctor or physiotherapist has cleared you. Trust the professionals—they’ll guide you based on your specific injury.
• You can move (even a little) without sharp pain. If you can wiggle your toes, bend your knee, or lift your arm slightly without sharp pain, that’s a good sign.

If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist—they’re there to guide you.

What Happens During Your First Physiotherapy Session?

Your first physiotherapy session is more about getting to know you and your injury than jumping into exercises. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Assessment. Your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your injury, your pain levels, and your goals (like getting back to work, sports, or everyday activities). They’ll also check your range of motion and strength.
2. Treatment Plan. Based on your injury, they’ll create a step-by-step recovery plan just for you. This plan will outline what exercises and treatments you’ll do, and how your recovery will progress over time.
3. Gentle Start. Your first session will probably include simple, low-intensity exercises to help improve circulation and reduce stiffness. You might also receive treatments like heat, ice, or massage therapy to help manage pain and inflammation.

It’s a gradual process—so don’t expect to jump into intense workouts right away. The goal is to ease your body into recovery without overdoing it.

Why Starting Physiotherapy Early Can Be a Game-Changer

If you’re debating whether to start physiotherapy sooner rather than later, here’s why early intervention is often a smart choice:

• Speeds Up Healing. Gentle movement and targeted exercises improve blood flow, which helps injured tissues heal faster.
• Prevents Stiffness. Injuries can lead to tightness and reduced range of motion. Physiotherapy keeps things moving, so you don’t get stuck (literally).
• Reduces Pain. Techniques like stretching, massage, and heat therapy can help you manage pain naturally.
• Rebuilds Strength. Injuries often cause muscle weakness. Physiotherapy helps you regain your strength so you can move with confidence.
• Prevents Re-Injury. By learning proper techniques and strengthening the right muscles, you’re less likely to reinjure yourself in the future.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Recovering from an injury is a journey, but there are things you can do to make it easier. Here are a few tips:

1. Stick to the Plan. Follow the exercises your physiotherapist gives you—even the ones that seem boring or simple. They’re designed to help!
2. Be Patient. Healing takes time, and progress might feel slow at first. Celebrate small wins along the way.
3. Listen to Your Body. If something feels painful or uncomfortable, don’t push through it. Let your physiotherapist know.
4. Focus on Rest and Nutrition. Sleep and a healthy diet play a big role in recovery. Make sure you’re giving your body what it needs to heal.

When Should You Talk to a Physiotherapist?

If you’re not sure when to start or whether physiotherapy is right for you, don’t wait to ask for help. A physiotherapist can assess your injury, give you advice, and create a recovery plan tailored to your situation.

You should also consider reaching out if:

• Your pain isn’t improving after a week or two.
• You’re struggling with stiffness or limited movement.
• You want to prevent re-injury or future problems.

Final Thoughts

Physiotherapy is one of the best tools for recovering from an injury, but knowing when to start is just as important as the therapy itself. Whether it’s a mild sprain or post-surgery recovery, the key is to start when your body is ready—no sooner, no later.

By working with a qualified physiotherapist and sticking to your recovery plan, you’ll be back on your feet (or back to doing the things you love) in no time. So don’t wait—if you’re injured or unsure about when to begin, reach out to a professional. Your future, pain-free self will thank you!