The Importance of Getting a Physical Therapy Assessment Right After an Injury

Jan 17

Getting hurt is never part of the plan—but how you respond after an injury can make all the difference in your recovery. Waiting days, weeks, or even months to address pain can lead to more significant issues down the road, including prolonged discomfort, expensive treatments, or even the need for invasive interventions.

The good news? Prompt physical therapy can change the game. By partnering with a specialized physical therapist right away, you're giving yourself the best chance to heal faster, avoid unnecessary expenses, and prevent future complications.

This article explores why early intervention matters and how you can benefit from seeking immediate care. Learn how expert physical therapy can not only treat your injury but also set you on the path to regaining your active, pain-free lifestyle.

The Importance of Prompt Physical Therapy

From the Desk of our Physical Therapist Denny Curnyn:

“When you're injured, the best course of action is to schedule a physical therapy evaluation immediately. This allows us to assess the issue quickly, potentially resolving it before it becomes a more serious problem. Unfortunately, we often see patients who wait 2-4 weeks, hoping the pain will subside on its own. By the time they reach us—after going through doctor visits, X-rays, or MRIs—the condition is far more severe. What could have been resolved in days now takes 6-8 weeks or more to treat, often at a higher cost. Early intervention can save you time, money, and unnecessary discomfort."

Early action means empowering your body to heal properly, avoiding the risk of compensatory injuries or long-term damage. A physical therapist evaluates the whole picture—your anatomy, movement issues, and the root causes of your pain—so you can recover efficiently and with confidence.

Why Delayed Care Could Cost You

Every day that an injury goes untreated is another opportunity for it to worsen. Compensatory habits like limping or avoiding certain movements might provide temporary relief, but they often lead to secondary pain or additional injuries, such as muscle imbalances, joint stiffness, or further strain on other body parts.

Prolonged discomfort: Without treatment, inflammation, and poor movement patterns can persist, leading to chronic pain.
Lengthier recovery times: Waiting too long can turn a simple strain into a multi-week rehabilitation process.
Higher costs: Delays often mean more diagnostic tests, additional doctor visits, and pricier interventions.
Reduced quality of life: Painful or limited movement impacts your ability to work, play with your kids, or enjoy hobbies.

When time is of the essence, physical therapy is the key to getting back to what matters most in your life.

Benefits of Seeing a Physical Therapist First

Physical therapists don’t just treat injuries—they understand them. At our Fort Worth clinics, we use a comprehensive, hands-on approach to address the root cause of your pain, helping you heal in a way that leaves your body stronger, not weaker.

Here’s what sets physical therapy apart from other treatment options like chiropractors or personal trainers:

Comprehensive care: Physical therapists assess your body as a whole to ensure no underlying issue is left untreated.
Expertise in movement: Every therapist on our team has over six years of advanced training, and most have advanced certifications.
Individualized plans: We customize each recovery plan to match your unique needs, goals, and daily lifestyle.
Proactive Prevention: We go beyond treatment by providing therapeutic movement plans and techniques designed to help you avoid future injuries.

Common Injuries We Treat

Our expert therapists work with a wide range of injuries, from sports-related strains to chronic pain. Here are some examples of what we treat every day in our Fort Worth clinics:

Knee injuries: ACL tears, meniscus injuries, or runner’s knee
Shoulder pain: Rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, or impingement issues
Hip problems: Labral tears, arthritis, or joint stiffness
Neck and back pain: Tech neck, whiplash, sciatica, herniated discs
Foot and ankle injuries: Plantar fasciitis, sprains, Achilles tendinitis
Tendon and muscle injuries: Strains, spasms, bursitis, or overuse injuries
Sports injuries: Whether you’re into running, tennis, pickleball, or golf, we’ve got you covered

From young athletes to busy parents to weekend warriors, our physical therapy treatments ensure you’re ready for life’s challenges.

Advanced Techniques for Faster Recovery

Our Fort Worth clinics offer state-of-the-art services to help you recover better, faster, and with less pain, including:

Manual therapy: A hands-on approach to restore movement and function by addressing joint, muscle, or connective tissue issues.
Dry needling: Advanced techniques (with or without electrical stimulation) for relieving muscle tension and pain.
Decompression Therapy: Complimentary spinal traction tables gently relieve pressure on the spine, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote relief.
Personalized movement plans: Exercises specifically designed to strengthen weak areas while promoting full-body balance.

These treatments not only address current pain but optimize your overall movement, preventing issues down the road.

Take Control of Your Recovery Today

It’s not just about healing—physical therapy empowers you to thrive. Whether you’re a new mom recovering from postpartum strain, a soccer player wanting to prevent another ACL tear, or a dad determined to keep up with your kids—or grandkids—the right care can make all the difference.

At our two convenient Fort Worth locations, we prioritize your recovery by offering appointments within 24-48 hours. There’s no wait time, no runaround—just expert care to get you back to living your best life.

Contact Us Today

Ask yourself: Is temporary discomfort keeping you from living the life you love? Your health is worth more. Schedule your physical therapy evaluation today and start your journey toward recovery. When you reach out, you’ll speak directly with our caring, in-office team—no automated responses or chatbots, just real professionals who understand your needs.

Get Back to Living—Fast!

With more than 30+ years of experience and a team that combines cutting-edge science with compassionate care, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Reach out to Curnyn PT today to discover the range of treatments and therapies we provide.

Denny Curnyn

Denny, Dennis J. Curnyn, PT, MA, AT

Born and raised in Omaha, NE, Denny Dennis J. Curnyn has built an impressive career in physical therapy and athletic training. He earned his BS in Biology and an MA in Athletic Training from Western Michigan University, where he also worked as an athletic trainer. Later, he pursued a second BS in Physical Therapy at Grand Valley State University. During his physical therapy training, an internship in Texas sparked a love for the state, leading him to relocate to Fort Worth—a city he quickly embraced as home.

Determined to create a space that prioritized both patient care and therapist satisfaction, Denny founded his clinic in 1991. Formerly known as Sportcare Physical Therapy, Curnyn Physical Therapy has become the longest-running physical therapist-owned clinic in Fort Worth. With two convenient locations, it continues to provide exceptional care to the community. His journey began with a mission to break away from the corporate healthcare model and establish a practice driven by his core belief: a therapist-owned clinic fosters the ideal environment for high-quality care and positive outcomes.

Denny specializes in outpatient orthopedics and is deeply committed to achieving lasting results through a balance of manual therapy, exercise, and modality care. His dedication to continuing education ensures he stays at the forefront of innovative techniques, focusing on optimizing recovery time and patient outcomes.

Outside of his professional life, Denny cherishes time with his wife of 25 years and their three children. An avid golfer (and proud of it!), he spends much of his free time on the course. He’s also a lifelong Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, bringing his passion for sports full circle into every facet of his