Starting PT soon? First off, good move. One of the biggest questions we hear from people new to physical therapy is: "How long do PT sessions last?"
It’s completely understandable. You want to know—and get prepared—for what’s ahead: how long each physiotherapy session will last, how many weeks the treatment might take, and most importantly, when you’ll start feeling better.
Some people can’t wait to get back on the field, back to work, or just back to feeling like themselves again. PT sessions come with a promise: to move better, feel stronger, and live without pain holding them back.
It’s more than a few days of work. Every physical therapy session is a building block, and it all starts with that first hour.
Most PT sessions last around 60 minutes. But what actually happens during that time? Stretching, healing, rebuilding strength, and progressing toward a stronger, more flexible you.
That’s exactly what we’re going to break down next.
Standard PT Session Duration
As we said, most physical therapy sessions last between at least 40 minutes to one hour. That’s the right balance for recovery and steady progress. Especially when you're recovering from an injury or surgery, it’s important to start slow and controlled.
What’s included? We can break down a typical PT session like this: warm-ups, hands-on treatment, and stretching or exercise.
Warm-ups help prep your body and the area being treated. Expect around 10 to 15 minutes of light movement to boost blood flow and loosen tight muscles.
Hands-on treatment comes next. This might include techniques like ultrasound therapy, infrared therapy, electrical stimulation, massage, or assisted stretching. Your physical therapist usually spends 20 to 30 minutes here, focusing on pain relief and improved mobility.
And then, it’s your turn to move.
Stretching and exercises help rebuild strength, improve joint mobility, and stabilize the injured area. Some common exercises include rotator cuff work, hip circles, bridges, or even time on a stationary bike, depending on your injury or condition.
Of course, the exact exercises depend on what you’re recovering from. Each PT session’s duration is tailored to your specific needs. So relax, you won’t be doing deep squats if you just sprained an ankle, that’s for sure.
But PT sessions, with proper timing, will help you get there.
Especially when you're just starting out, your physical therapy session duration might be a little shorter and gentler. This helps avoid overstressing healing joints or muscles.
The goal is to build a strong, safe foundation first, and then layer on more as you progress.
What To Expect On Your First PT Session
For a first physical therapy session, we usually take a bit longer than an hour: around 75 minutes, sometimes up to an hour and a half.
Why do we need extra time for your first PT session? Because it's key to understand your starting point clearly. Your physical therapist will assess your condition, guide you through basic mobility and flexibility checks, and start addressing any pain management needs.
This first assessment is your foundation. The big question that will come up during your first session—and in almost every follow-up—is simple but important:
"How is your pain level, from 1 to 10?"
Think of it like a thermometer for your recovery. Your therapist will use this scale to track progress, adjust your exercises, and know when it’s time to push forward—or slow things down a bit.
Before your first PT session, here are a few basic tips to know:
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Bring any medical studies or reports: Your physical therapist will review your medical history, so it helps to have any relevant scans, notes, or test results handy.
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Dress comfortably: Think gym clothes—joggers, a sports shirt, and running shoes.
Even though this won’t be an intense workout, your PT session will keep you active and moving. -
Keep open communication: Feeling some mild discomfort is expected. But if you feel sharp or unusual pain, always let your therapist know right away. It’s an important part of adjusting your treatment safely.
Remember: how you feel during and after your first session will set the baseline for your future PT sessions.
Let’s see how that looks next.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Take?
Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture. How many sessions per week? As a standard, at least 2 to 3 times a week. This helps you stay on track and keep momentum.
And you know the deal here, as James Clear says:
"Never miss twice. If you miss one day, try to get back on track as quickly as possible."
Our team at P1 is here to help you stay accountable, and keep progressing.
Most physical therapy treatments last between 4 to 12 weeks. For mild injuries, you might only need a month of sessions. If you’re recovering from surgery or a more serious condition, your treatment might stretch out over 3 months or more.
As you progress, your muscles and joints become stronger and more flexible. As that happens, sessions gradually become longer and include more demanding stretches, exercises, and movements to continue improving strength, mobility, and overall function.
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
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Mild conditions (like light sprains, early-stage tendinitis, or some back pain conditions): about 4 to 6 weeks.
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Moderate injuries (like muscle tears or more complex joint issues): around 8 to 10 weeks.
Post-surgery recovery (ACL repair, rotator cuff surgery, spinal rehab): 12 weeks or longer.
But whatever your situation is, don’t stress too much about hitting milestones fast. Your physical therapist is there to guide you. Every recovery journey is personal. It’s about how your body responds to treatment, as we’ll dive into next.
Factors Affecting PT Session Length
When it comes to PT, rather than focusing too much on how much time you spend, it’s better to focus on what your body needs.
Of course, timing is crucial. Some people simply can’t—or shouldn’t—be active for a full hour.
Imagine someone just recovering from a knee replacement. That session isn’t going to be an intense workout. It’s going to focus on controlled movement, pain management, and slowly rebuilding strength.
Now compare that to a young athlete rehabbing a knee sprain. Both their PT sessions might be more dynamic, combining rehab with active training.
PT sessions play a big role in healing, even beyond injury recovery. Especially for athletes, PT sessions are a powerful way to heal micro-injuries, improve body mechanics, and optimize performance.
If you’re physically active and not dealing with a major injury, you might only need one or two PT assessment sessions to fine-tune your movement patterns. If you’re working through chronic pain or movement limitations, you might need a longer plan, with gradual corrections along the way.
PT Sessions for Physiotherapy & Recovery
So, let’s talk about what happens beyond the stretches, workouts, and exercises. As you know, the first part of your PT session should focus on the warm-up. And as you progress, it’s a good idea to start doing some stretches and exercises at home too.
Active Warm-Up vs Passive Warm-Up
What’s the best warm-up for PT sessions? As you probably guessed by now, it depends on your plan.
Especially during the first PT sessions, passive warm-ups are more likely. These are easier for people who find certain movements challenging, as outside help from the therapist or equipment helps warm up your muscles without you actively doing the work.
Passive warm-ups typically include hot packs, massage, ultrasound therapy, or assisted range-of-motion movements where the therapist moves your joints for you.
But hey, if you are worried about staying active, don’t! Active warm-ups are also necessary. These involve moving your own body to gradually increase your heart rate, circulation, and muscle temperature.
Think light activities like walking on a treadmill, doing arm circles, marching in place, or gentle squats.
The important thing here is to keep progressing and healing. Because as things get better, you’ll be getting some homework!
Exercises for Home PT Sessions
Beyond your PT schedule, it’s important to stay active and stay aware of your body’s needs. Once you’ve recovered, keeping your body strong and flexible is key to long-term success.
Your physical therapist may recommend bodyweight exercises that you can easily do at home. These are simple, low-impact movements that help maintain mobility, strength, and balance without needing special equipment.
We’ve also covered some simple exercises for specific injuries, like knee sprains. Movements like leg raises, knee extensions, and gentle stretches are common examples you might do at home under your therapist’s guidance.
How much should a home PT session last? As a standard, about 15-20 minutes per day is a good target—depending on what your physical therapist prescribes.
Short sessions done regularly will help you heal faster, stay strong, and prevent setbacks.
How to Choose the Right PT Session for You
The right PT session is about working with a team that has the experience, the knowledge, and the ability to listen.
Here at Performance One, that’s what we do.
We work with athletes, seniors, youth—you name it. And every PT session is built around what you need, not some one-size-fits-all plan.
When you train here, or visit for our wellness treatments, you know you can get the whole package if you need it. That includes expert physical therapy sessions designed to help you recover, move better, and get stronger the right way.
Start Your PT Sessions at P1 Today!
No matter where you’re starting from, we’re here to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay in the game. Schedule your session here at Performance One and find expert PT sessions, real support, and a team that’s with you every step of the way.
Ready to start your recovery, or take your performance to the next level? We’re ready when you are.