“Is physical therapy painful after ankle surgery?”

Physical therapy after ankle surgery can sometimes involve discomfort, especially in the early stages, but it is generally not meant to be overly painful. The goal of therapy is to help you regain strength, mobility, and function while minimizing pain. You might feel some soreness or stiffness as your body adjusts to movement and exercises, but this is a normal part of the healing process.

For example, early therapy might include gentle range-of-motion exercises, like ankle pumps or stretches, to reduce stiffness and improve circulation. As you progress, weight-bearing exercises and strengthening activities may be introduced, which could feel challenging but should not cause sharp or severe pain. Your physical therapist will work closely with you to ensure the exercises are safe and tailored to your comfort level.

If you experience significant pain during therapy, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust your program. Remember, the goal is to support your recovery, not to push you beyond your limits.

Depends on the nature of the surgery. Itll likely be a little painful at first, but as you improve the pain will decrease.

It can be. PT can be painful from simple periods immobilization in walking boots and casts. There may be 'cast disease' and stiffness/pain in the joint or region just from disuse. So, sometimes PT is painful.

You will likely experience some pain with physical therapy. I recommend you discuss with the therapist and your surgeon what to expect in your particular case.

In the beginning, it may, then should improve over time.

Sometimes. Pain comes from stiffness, Atrophy and muscle weakness, Scar tissues, and re-educated the body part. I would address your concern with your surgeon.