03/13/2026
Welcome to a new monthly feature: Ask a PT 🩺
Each month, one of our physical therapists answers your questions — helping you better understand your body, movement, and recovery.
This month’s question:
How do I know if what I’m feeling is normal soreness or an injury?
Marie Long, PT explains:
Normal muscle soreness usually shows up 12–48 hours after a new or challenging activity. It often feels like general stiffness or tenderness and usually improves as you move and fades within a few days.
An injury is more likely if you notice sudden or sharp pain during activity, swelling, bruising, weakness, or pain that doesn’t improve after several days of rest.
If pain limits your ability to move normally or keeps getting worse instead of better, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated by a physical therapist.
What should we Ask a PT next?
Leave your question in the comments or submit it through our website: connectoregon.com
