If you're a runner in San Francisco dealing with a nagging pain or a sudden injury, you've probably faced this question: “Should I see a physical therapist or just rest and wait it out?” Here’s a quick guide from Poppy’s lead PT, Katty Csete, to help you make the right call.

Rest Isn’t Always Enough

While rest can temporarily ease symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily solve the underlying problem. “Productive rest,” as Katty puts it, means proactively identifying the source of your pain and using targeted exercises to heal effectively without aggravating the injury.

Bottom line: Passive rest alone can extend downtime, making your recovery slower in the long run.

Early Intervention = Faster Recovery

It's always best to address an injury as soon as possible, especially when it’s acute (recently occurred). Early assessment from a PT can drastically reduce inflammation and shorten healing times. Katty emphasizes:

“The quicker you pinpoint what's causing your pain, the faster you'll get back to running strong.”

Waiting too long can turn an acute injury into a chronic problem, complicating your recovery journey.

Chronic Injuries Take Longer to Heal

Ignoring recurring pain can lead to chronic inflammation and compensation patterns—your body’s way of adapting movements to avoid discomfort. Over time, these altered movements become ingrained habits, making recovery longer and more challenging.

Katty notes:

“Many chronic injuries take months or even years to fully resolve. Early PT intervention can prevent this from happening in the first place.”

Physical Therapy: Rest with Purpose

Physical therapy isn't just about treating pain; it's about understanding your body’s needs and teaching it to move safely. A skilled PT like those at Poppy provides evidence-backed guidance on rest, movement, and strengthening exercises customized for you.

Here's what a session at Poppy offers:

• Accurate injury diagnosis to identify the root cause quickly

• Customized exercise programs to safely strengthen injured areas

• Guidance on productive rest, keeping you active without worsening symptoms

When to Book Your PT Session

If you're experiencing:

• Pain lasting more than a few days

• Discomfort that returns frequently or intensifies

• Changes in your running gait or persistent stiffness

Then it's time to see a PT.

Don’t just rest—rest productively and get professional guidance. Book your session with Poppy today to get back on track quickly and confidently.