🏃 Physical Therapy / Rehab Aftercare

    Iontophoresis Aftercare Instructions

    A day-by-day recovery guide for iontophoresis: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.

    Typical recovery: about 42 daysPhysical Therapy / Rehab

    What to expect

    Keys to Success

    • Home exercises are just as important as in-clinic sessions
    • Communicate pain and progress honestly with your therapist
    • Recovery is not linear; some days will feel like setbacks, and that's normal

    Iontophoresis recovery, day by day

    Session Day / Day 0

    After Your Session

    • Some muscle soreness for 24-48 hours after PT is normal and expected
    • Apply ice for 15-20 minutes if the treated area is sore or swollen
    • Perform your home exercise program (HEP) as prescribed
    • Stay hydrated; muscles recover faster with adequate water intake

    Home Exercise Program

    • Do your exercises consistently; improvement depends on compliance
    • Quality over quantity; perform exercises with proper form
    • If an exercise causes sharp or worsening pain, stop and report it at your next session
    • Set a daily reminder to complete your exercises
    Day 1-42

    Between Sessions

    • Attend all scheduled PT sessions; consistency is key to progress
    • Track your pain levels, range of motion, and functional improvements
    • Communicate with your therapist about what's working and what's not
    • Gradually increase activity as your strength and flexibility improve

    RICE Protocol (if applicable)

    • Rest: avoid activities that aggravate the injury
    • Ice: 15-20 min on, at least 20 min off
    • Compression: use bandage or sleeve if recommended
    • Elevation: raise the affected area above heart level when resting

    When to call your provider or 911

    • Sudden severe pain during or after exercise
    • Joint gives way or locks completely
    • Significant new swelling after exercise
    • Numbness or tingling that doesn't resolve
    • Pain that is worse each day instead of gradually improving

    When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.

    Recovery milestones

    1. Day 0

      Establish baseline

      Initial assessment and exercise plan started

    2. Day 13

      Early progress

      Noticeable improvement in pain, range of motion, or strength

    3. Day 25

      Functional milestones

      Returning to daily activities with less difficulty

    4. Day 42

      Discharge goals met

      Target strength, mobility, and function achieved

    For clinics

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    More Physical Therapy / Rehab aftercare guides