Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury or a total knee replacement, you will need physical therapy to regain your strength and mobility. What is physical therapy, and how long does it take? A branch of rehabilitative health that ensures the proper development and balance of atrophied muscles after injury or surgery, physical therapy is crucial for preventing future injuries.
Factors such as the type of injury or surgery, your overall health, and your recovery goals all come into play here. So, how long does physical therapy take for a broken leg versus a concussion or a soft tissue injury? Learn more below.
Physical Therapy Recovery Timelines
Again, the type of injury and its severity will influence how long it takes for physical therapy to work:
- You may need anywhere from a few weeks to many months to fully regain coordination after a concussion.
- Most soft tissue injuries will require a physical therapy treatment plan lasting between six and eight weeks.
- How long does physical therapy take for a broken leg? The timeline for recovering normal function after a bone fracture is typically between 12 and 16 weeks.
- Rehab time after surgery will also vary: in-patient rehab after ACL repair can range from three to six months, and PT after a knee replacement typically continues for four to 6 weeks.
When Should You Stop Physical Therapy?
Because there is so much variation in how long it takes for physical therapy to work, how will you know when it’s time to stop? It may be time to end your physical therapy program if you have achieved your goals, regained normal function and mobility, or returned to your previous activities without an issue. You should also speak with your physical therapist if you are concerned about plateaued progress or worsening pain. If no more treatments are covered by your insurance, we’re happy to work with you on a customized payment plan.
Schedule Physical Therapy in the Chicago Area
If you’re considering physical therapy, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to tell you exactly what to expect at your first visit to one of our facilities, located across downtown Chicago, the southwest suburbs, and in Champaign Urbana. Contact us online or request a virtual visit for more info today.
