After an injury, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not seeing a physical therapist right away. Whether you think the pain will go away on its own or you don’t think the injury is serious enough to warrant a visit, it’s important to make an appointment anyway. Prompt action can significantly reduce your recovery time, as well as the risk of a compensatory injury.

If you experience any of the symptoms below, don’t hesitate to contact a physical therapist to evaluate the damage before it gets worse:   

• Persistent Pain: If you’ve been injured, it’s important to take it easy for a few days and allow your body time to recover. However, if you are still in pain three days after your incident, there might be a more major issue at work. If icing your injury and resting don’t make you feel better, schedule an appointment with the physical therapist.
• Reliance on Medication: One of the best at-home methods for treating pain and reducing inflammation following an injury is to take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. However, if you are still experiencing pain and cannot function without medication, you might need more serious attention.
• Sharp, Acute Pain: Often, an injury will leave you with a dull pain that subsides after a few days. However, any pain that feels sudden or sharp can be an indicator of a stress fracture, pulled muscle, or something similar. The best way to diagnose this is to make an appointment with a physical therapist right away.

Address pain and find relief by scheduling an appointment with the physical therapists at Family Physical Therapy & Sports Center in Kearney, NE. This practice specializes in several areas of physical, occupational, and speech therapy, with pediatric professionals that have extensive experience working with children. Whether you are seeking relief from lower back pain or are suffering from a sports injury, you can trust this clinic to provide solutions that work. Learn more about their available services by visiting their website or giving them a call today at (308) 236-5884.