Building Muscle Strength After Physical Therapy

If you are recovering from an injury, strength training after physical therapy can greatly improve muscular imbalances, coordination, as well as your overall health to help avoid re-injury. 

Programs designed to enhance strength and build muscle are called post-physical therapy exercises and may include isometric exercises, resistance training, stretching, and agility training. 

M.A.T specialist Maurice Harden explains how to build muscle strength after physical therapy so you can get back to optimal health. 

The Importance of Strength Training Following Physical Therapy 

There are many reasons why incorporating strength training into your exercise plan following physical therapy can be beneficial. These benefits include:

Rebuilding Muscle 

If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, physical therapy is often the first thing you will do once you are healed. While physical therapy can improve joint movement and help with flexibility, it is important to strengthen and rebuild muscles that may have atrophied or lost strength. 


Strength training is used to complement the work of a physical therapist and can improve your entire well-being. 

Restoring Bone Strength and Density 

Many patients who have gone through physical therapy have undergone surgery or medical treatments that confine them to a bed for extended periods. This can lead to a loss of bone density and loss of muscle mass. 

Strength training aids in recovering bone density and muscular regeneration. Resistance training is particularly beneficial to improve musculoskeletal health and can optimize the rate of your overall recovery. 

Enhancing Your Metabolism 

Without a healthy metabolism, rehabilitation efforts may fail as the body will have trouble healing itself. Strength training can recharge and enhance your metabolism since resistance training exercises require a constant supply of glucose and protein. 

Incorporating strength training following physical therapy helps build muscle but can also improve a patient’s overall metabolism and health. 

Reducing Physical Discomfort

One of the top reasons to start a strength-building regimen following physical therapy is that it can help reduce physical discomfort that is associated with muscle pain. 

Strength training exercises encourage muscle cells to regenerate while also rehabilitating and strengthening all the joints involved. This can also complement your body’s natural tendency to heal injuries on its own. 

Improving Mental Health 

Exercises that improve flexibility and strength can have a positive mental effect on someone who is recovering from an injury. Strength training also builds mental fortitude and can help foster confidence in movement following an injury or surgery. 

Considerations Before Starting Strength Training

Before beginning any strength training regimen, you have to consider your physical ability and your current limitations. This is especially important if you are recovering from an injury or surgery, as you don’t want to overdo it or begin strength training too soon. 

Avoiding re-injury is key when starting strength training. The last thing you want is to re-injure yourself on the path of recovery! 

Here are some tips to follow when starting a strength training regimen after physical therapy:

• Choose a dynamic warm-up routine to get your muscles warmed up and loose before beginning.
  

• Avoid overloading yourself and stay away from heavier weights when returning from an injury.
  

• It is important to use proper form, so make sure you are performing each exercise correctly.
  

• If you feel any pain or discomfort when lifting weights, stop immediately. Do not ignore your body’s pain signals!
  

• Engage in a cool-down routine that involves dynamic stretching to help prevent DOMs. (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
  

• Set a safe pace and allow for rest and recovery days between your strength training sessions.
  

• When coming back to exercise after injury, make sure that your personal trainer or physical therapist is on hand to assist. Do not start a strength regimen without proper instruction or guidance. 

Let’s Move > Preventing Injuries During Exercise 

At Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation, our training programs are designed for you based on your level of fitness, goals, and capabilities following physical therapy. Rebuild strength following an injury! Call us today for a post-physical therapy training consultation— (813) 422-5671! 

Getting Started with Exercise After PT

As with any exercise routine, it is important that you start slow when incorporating strength training into your routine following physical therapy. Make sure that you can control the weights that you are lifting and avoid hyperextending your joints. 

Start with a balanced program that includes whole-body exercises to support your overall health and strength. 

When choosing weight, choose one that allows you to complete 10-15 reps of the exercise. If you can’t complete that many reps, it is too heavy. Though you may experience some slight soreness when you begin weight training, if the soreness is excessive, stop immediately and consult with your trainer or physical therapist. 

Keep Reading > Exercise After Injury: A Medical Trainer’s Guide 

Gain Strength with Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation 

By focusing on strength training following physical therapy, you can build whole-body stability and strength that will create a solid foundation for the tissues and muscles surrounding your injury. When your body is stable and strong, everyday life can be pain-free and enjoyable again! 

Reach optimal health and rebuild strength after physical therapy with Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation! Call us today to start your fitness journey— (813) 422-5671!