While it's normal to be sore after physical treatment, you should never be in excruciating agony. It is critical not to mix discomfort with pain. Stretching and exercising are required for muscles that have gotten tight and weak over time, resulting in lactic acid buildup that can cause discomfort. However, if you're also feeling pain during or right after your treatment, then an injury has been exacerbated. Discomfort may also occur because of the nature of physical therapy. Treatments include heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and exercise. These methods can be painful. Your therapist will help reduce this discomfort by choosing the right treatment for your condition and by administering treatments at the right times during your session. In addition to pain, other problems can arise from physical therapy. For example, you may experience increased heart rate and blood pressure due to anxiety or excitement caused by the treatment. This is called "therapist induced syncope" and is usually temporary. Physical therapists control these effects by using doses of treatment that are safe and well-tolerated by their patients. Finally, discomfort can be a side effect of certain medications you may be taking. In fact, it's very common for people taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs to report feeling worse before their next dose is due. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort that isn't going away, even with rest, don't take any more pills than you already are.