Causes of Feeling Tired After Physical Therapy
It's common to feel fatigued or exhausted after physical therapy sessions. The exercises and activities you do during PT place demands on the body that can leave you worn out afterward. This is especially true if you are recovering from an injury, surgery, or medical condition that has weakened your strength and stamina.
Normal Muscle Soreness
Experiencing muscle tiredness and soreness after challenging your body with new exercises, movement patterns, and physical activities during PT is perfectly normal. Working muscles that have been inactive due to an injury or illness leads to microscopic tears and inflammation in the muscle fibers as they adapt and grow stronger. This causes natural fatigue.
Energy Expenditure
The harder you have to work during PT, the more energy and calories your body burns, which can increase feelings of exhaustion. Sessions focused on strength training, balance, coordination, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance tap into your energy reserves.
People recovering from setbacks that have led to prolonged inactivity tend to fatigue quicker as their fitness level is lower. But with consistent PT, the body adapts so you can work out harder with less fatigue over time.
Health Condition Factors
Many of the medical issues that require PT also play a role in increased tiredness levels. Chronic pain conditions, injuries, illnesses, and medications your body is fighting against can amplify normal PT exhaustion.
For example, people going through PT after a major surgery, heart attack, organ transplant, or while undergoing cancer treatment may feel more profoundly fatigued afterwards due to their condition.
Tips to Recover Energy Levels
Feeling wiped out after PT is expected, but there are things you can do before and after your sessions to help bounce back with less lingering exhaustion:
Hydrate Well
Drink extra fluids before, during and after PT to prevent dehydration that can worsen fatigue. Water is best, but sports drinks can also help replenish electrolytes lost while exercising.
Fuel With Nutrient-Dense Foods
Eat a balanced meal 1-2 hours before your appointment rich in healthy carbs, lean protein and anti-inflammatory fats to properly fuel your workout.
Afterwards, refuel again with more high quality nutrients to promote muscle repair and energy restoration. Good options include eggs, oily fish, beans, lentils, quinoa, fruits, vegetables and Greek yogurt.
Rest and Recovery
Make time for extra rest breaks while at PT if your therapist allows. Go home afterwards and put your feet up while relaxing your body and mind as much as possible.
Gentle stretching, an Epsom salt bath, compression gear, or massage can aide muscle recovery too. Light walking keeps blood flowing without taxing your system further.
Sleep
Prioritize getting enough high quality sleep around your PT sessions so your body can conserve energy and restore itself most efficiently at night. Most adults need 7-9 hours per night for optimal rest.
Supplements
Certain supplements may help combat PT fatigue, but check with your doctor first regarding safety and directions:
- Protein powder to rebuild muscle
- Branch chain amino acids
- Creatine for energy
- Iron if low levels causing fatigue
- Magnesium for muscle function
- Ginseng or ginger for extra energy
- CoQ10 for cellular energy
When to See Your Doctor
In most cases feeling exhausted after PT is not serious and resolves within 12-24 hours using self-care recovery tips.
However, contact your physician if:
- Fatigue worsens over time instead of improving
- Exhaustion lasts longer than 48 hours after each session
- You experience chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath
- Extreme muscle weakness or shakiness
- Your condition may be contributing to fatigue
- You cannot function in daily life due to exhaustion
Adjustments to your PT program, medications or treatments for underlying illness may be needed in some situations.
When to Expect Improvement
At first, expect to feel drained after every PT visit as your body adjusts. However over time and with consistency, your endurance, strength and stamina from PT itself will grow.
Many people report feeling noticeably less fatigued after several weeks of regular physical therapy as the body adapts to increased physical demands and recovery ability improves.
FAQs
Is feeling tired 2 days after PT normal?
Feeling fatigued for 24-48 hours after challenging physical therapy sessions is common and expected as your body recovers. Stay hydrated, eat well, rest, and allow time for your strength to bounce back.
How long does PT fatigue last?
When first starting PT, exhaustion afterwards may persist up to a day or longer. But many patients report decreased tiredness over time as their bodies adapt within a few weeks of consistent sessions.
Should I skip PT if I'm tired?
No, don't skip your physical therapy appointments just because you feel fatigued afterwards or even beforehand. Pushing through will help rebuild your endurance. Let your therapist know if you need extra rest periods.
What should I eat after PT for energy?
Choose healthy high protein foods and carbohydrates like eggs, oily fish, beans, lentils, whole grains and vegetables after physical therapy to help refuel, repair muscles and restore your energy levels.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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