At Petersen Physical Therapy, we see firsthand why people avoid physical therapy, and we often hear patients’ stories about and how they wish they had started sooner. Though it’s understandable to desire to avoid unneccessary medical interventions, this decision often proves to be a mistake.
Many people avoid physical therapy because they underestimate their pain, hope it will go away on its own, or feel intimidated by the time, cost, or effort involved. Skipping physical therapy can lead to slower recovery, increased risk of re-injury, and missed opportunities to improve overall quality of life.
If you’ve ever hesitated to start a physical therapy program, we hope that this article will help you in your decision making process. We’ll explore the most common reasons people put off physical therapy, what really happens when you delay treatment, and how working with a licensed physical therapist can help you avoid future injuries and regain confidence in your movement.
Common reasons people put off physical therapy
We often hear from patients who admit they waited weeks, months, or even years before seeking help. For some, it’s the threat to their budget that holds them back. For others, it’s the stereotype of physical therapy being physically taxing, difficult, or painful.
The reasons vary, but most fall into a few categories:
1. They think rest is enough.
We’ve all had an experience where we sprained an ankle or received some other small injury, and the simple RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) protocol had us fixed up within a few weeks. Many patients will mistakenly assume that more serious injuries or chronic pains can be treated in the same way. After all, it worked in the past!
While short-term rest is helpful, too much inactivity can actually make things worse. Muscles weaken, joints stiffen, and the risk of chronic conditions increases over time.
2. They’re afraid it will hurt.
Many assume physical therapy sessions are painful. So much so that we felt the need to cover this topic in it’s own article on whether physical therapy hurts.
Here’s the reality: a well-designed physical therapy treatment plan should reduce pain, not increase it. While some temporary soreness is possible, it’s a sign your body is rebuilding strength and mobility—not that you’re causing harm.
3. They’re unsure what physical therapists actually do.
Some people don’t realize that physical therapists work to create individualized treatment plans that go far beyond basic exercise routines that can be found readily online.
Our patients are often surprised to find out that what they thought was a mobility issue was actually a strength / stability issue, or vice versa. You simply won’t get this kind of feedback from cookie-cutter plans.
4. They don’t think they have time.
Between work, family, and other commitments, it’s easy to put off starting physical therapy. This is very understandable, and even relatable – you need to find a medical provider whose hours fit your schedule.
The longer you wait, the more time recovery often takes later. Ironically, those who delay treatment usually spend more total time trying to get better in the long run.
5. They’re worried about cost or insurance.
Concerns about insurance coverage or out-of-pocket costs can keep people from scheduling that first visit. However, many plans include physical therapy benefits, and investing in early recovery often prevents more expensive treatments—like surgery—down the road. (For more details, see our article on physical therapy without insurance.)
The downside of avoiding physical therapy
Unfortunately, delaying or avoiding treatment often leads to a predictable set of problems. Over the years, our experience has shown that patients who postpone care face slower recovery, higher risk of re-injury, and unnecessary discomfort.
Slower recovery and lingering pain
Without guided movement and strengthening, your body doesn’t heal as efficiently. Scar tissue can form in ways that limit range of motion, and compensatory patterns can develop that cause new aches elsewhere.
In contrast, a consistent physical therapy program helps maintain muscle tone, flexibility, and blood flow—all crucial for faster recovery.
Increased risk of re-injury
Skipping physical therapy can make your body more vulnerable in the future. For example, after an ankle sprain, the supporting muscles may remain weak even when the pain subsides.
This weakness can cause instability and increase the risk of another injury later on. We often remind patients: just because you feel better doesn’t mean you’ve fully healed.
Decline in overall function and quality of life
The most overlooked consequence is the impact on your long-term health. Small limitations add up—difficulty climbing stairs, walking long distances, or lifting items can all affect your independence and enjoyment of daily life.
Physical therapy doesn’t just fix what’s broken—it helps improve your overall function and prevent future injuries.
Overcoming fear and hesitation
If you’ve been putting off physical therapy, you’re not alone. Understanding the process can help you feel more comfortable taking that first step.
If you’ve been putting off physical therapy, start with the first step:
Schedule an evaluation (and show up!)
That’s it! A physical therapy evaluation is the way to determine whether physical therapy is a good fit for your situation, and most physical therapists will be very up-front with you if they think you need go an alternative route medically.
During the first appointment, you’ll be assessed, have a discussion with your physical therapist about your individual situation and constraints, and be given a logical, progressive plan to improve your situation in the coming weeks.
During this appointment, we would encourage you to:
- Ask lots of questions
- Be up-front with your therapist about why you’ve avoided physical therapy
- Discuss any schedule constraints you may have
From this discussion, you’ll receive a tailored plan that works with your schedule, budget, and comfort level.
Next, we suggest you:
Commit to a home exercise program
Regardless of whatever else you do, we suggest you commit to whatever routine / set of exercises that your physical therapist provides.
Even a few minutes a day of targeted movement can make a major difference. We often tell our patients that therapy is just the beginning of living a pain-free and functional life moving forward.
Physical therapy’s biggest benefit: Preventing future problems!
One of the beautiful things about physical therapy is that over the long haul, you truly don’t need a professional for every step – and that’s the point!
Our goal is always to provide you with what you need to be mobile, functional, and pain free in whatever endeavor you decide to pursue over the long term.
A good physical therapy treatment plan does more than address your current pain. It prepares your body for the future.
Supporting Long-Term Health
By improving mobility and function, physical therapy helps you stay active and maintain independence as you age. We’ve seen countless patients return to hiking, gardening, golfing, and other hobbies they thought they’d lost for good. That’s what keeps us passionate about what we do.
(If you’re interested in learning how physical therapy can enhance your long-term wellness, see our article on physical therapy improving quality of life.)
Changing the way we think about physical therapy
We would encourage you to move beyond the idea that physical therapy is just for “serious” injuries. In truth, it’s a proactive approach to movement health. Physical therapists don’t just treat pain—they teach people how to move better, recover faster, and prevent future problems.
We often tell our patients that starting physical therapy isn’t about weakness—it’s about wisdom. You’re giving your body the tools it needs to recover efficiently and perform at its best.
And remember, even if you’re not currently in pain, preventative care matters. Regular check-ins and guided exercise plans can reduce your risk of injury, improve balance, and enhance your quality of life. (For more on this, check out preventative physical therapy.)
Final thoughts: Don’t wait to get help
Avoiding physical therapy might feel like the easy choice, but it’s usually the one that prolongs discomfort.
Starting sooner means:
- Faster healing
- Better outcomes
- A more active future
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply want to stay active as you age, there’s no better time than now to start your journey toward improved function and lasting wellness.
