How Long Will Physical Therapy Take?
At our McHenry physical therapy clinic, one of the most common questions I hear is, “How long will physical therapy take?”
As a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, I completely understand the need for clarity and reassurance when starting your healing journey. The short answer? It depends, but with physical therapy, most injuries can typically be healed within 2 -12 weeks, with each session lasting 30-60 minutes.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know so you can feel confident, informed, and motivated every step of the way.
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How Long Does Physical Therapy Take?
When starting physical therapy, it’s natural to wonder how long the process will take. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, your recovery timeline will depend on various personal factors, including your condition, goals, and consistency with treatment. What matters most is that you’re taking the right steps toward healing, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
We’ll always reassess your progress and make adjustments, so you’re never left guessing.
What to Expect at PT
When you come in for physical therapy, you can expect a welcoming, focused environment where your physical therapy goals and progress are our top priority. Each session will be tailored to your needs, combining hands-on treatments, therapeutic exercises, and education to support your healing. Throughout the process, you’ll receive one-on-one attention and guidance to ensure you’re on the right track every step.
Whether it’s your first session or your fifteenth, here’s what you can expect every time you visit:
- A warm, welcoming environment
- One-on-one attention
- Exercises tailored to your body and goals
- Compassionate care backed by 20+ years of experience
- Encouragement, accountability, and honest progress tracking
I want you to leave each session feeling better, stronger, and more confident—not just in your body, but in your ability to heal.
How Often Should You Go to Physical Therapy?
You may be wondering, “When should I go to Physical Therapy?”, or “How often should I go to PT?” Most patients come in 1 to 3 times per week, depending on their condition and where they are in their recovery process. Early on, frequent visits help build momentum. As you improve, we may space things out and increase your independence.
Average Healing Time by Injury Type
Healing from injuries looks different for everyone. The amount of time it takes to recover depends on the nature of your condition, how your body responds to treatment, and the goals you’re working toward. Some individuals move through therapy quickly, while others benefit from a more gradual, steady approach. No matter the pace, we’ll tailor your care plan to support your progress every step of the way.
Here’s a general breakdown of how long, on average, certain injuries or conditions typically take to heal with PT support:
| Condition | Estimated Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Mild sprains/strains | 2–4 weeks |
| Moderate muscle/tendon injuries | 4–8 weeks |
| Post-operative rehab | 12–24+ weeks |
| Rotator cuff tear (non-surgical) | 8–12 weeks |
| Sciatica/low back pain | 6–12 weeks |
| Chronic conditions (e.g. arthritis) | Ongoing management |
| Stroke/neuro rehab | Long-term, gradual progress |
You can see that minor injuries such as ankle sprains or wrist pain may only take a few weeks to heal, while knee replacement rehab, concussion management, a pulled hamstring, postpartum exercises, or lower back pain may take several months.
Note: Everyone heals at their own pace. We’ll regularly track your progress and adjust as needed.
How Long Is the First Physical Therapy Session?
Your first physical therapy session, also known as the initial evaluation, usually lasts about 60 minutes and is all about getting to know you, your goals, your challenges, and how your body moves. We’ll take the time to understand your full picture, perform a detailed assessment, and begin building a personalized plan. This initial visit sets the stage for your recovery, so you can feel confident and supported from day one.
During this time, we’ll:
- Talk through your medical history and goals
- Perform a movement and function assessment
- Identify what’s contributing to your symptoms
- Start hands-on treatment or guided exercises
- Create a personalized care plan
Many patients leave their first session already feeling hopeful and empowered. You will likely have questions you want to ask your physical therapist. Feel free to ask. We hear similar questions often and are happy to provide guidance when we can.
How Long Are Follow-Up PT Sessions?
Follow-up sessions are designed to build on the progress you’ve made and continue refining your treatment plan. During these visits, we’ll focus on exercises, manual physical therapy services, and education to help you reach your goals. The length of each session will depend on your needs, but it usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes, ensuring that we make the most of your time and support your recovery effectively.
Each one will include a mix of:
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercises
- Education on movement and posture
- Progress checks and plan updates
We keep each session focused, productive, and adapted to how you’re feeling that day.
How Do You Know Physical Therapy Is Working?
As we move through your therapy, we’ll regularly check in on your progress to ensure that you’re heading in the right direction. You’ll start to notice improvements in things like pain levels, mobility, strength, and daily function. Along the way, we’ll adjust your plan to keep challenging you and make sure you’re getting the best possible results.
We assess your progress in several ways:
- Pain levels – Are they decreasing?
- Mobility – Is your range of motion improving?
- Strength and stability – Are you getting stronger?
- Function – Are daily activities becoming easier?
- Personal goals – Are we moving toward what matters most to you?
You’ll notice milestones like walking farther, lifting more, or sleeping better. And we’ll track all of that together, adjusting your plan to keep things moving forward.
What If You Don’t Go to PT as Long as Recommended?
It might be tempting to cut your physical therapy short once you start feeling better, but stopping too soon can risk setbacks. Completing your full course of treatment ensures that you not only recover but also build the strength and stability needed to prevent future issues. We’re committed to your long-term success, and finishing your plan will give you the best chance for lasting results.
Without completing your full plan, you may:
- Re-injure yourself
- Miss out on long-term strength or mobility gains
- Delay full recovery
- Develop chronic issues from unresolved problems
We’ll never keep you in therapy longer than necessary. But we also won’t cut corners. Sticking with your plan helps ensure lasting results.
Contact an Experienced McHenry Physical Therapy Clinic Near You
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at 815-451-4502 to see how we can start you on your journey and help you live pain-free!
At Red Rock Physical Therapy & Wellness, we are committed to supporting you through every step of your recovery journey. Our personalized rehabilitation programs are designed to meet your unique needs, ensuring a return to the activities you love.
Let’s create a plan that works for your body, your life, and your goals.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.