A question I hear often is whether someone should see a physical therapist or their primary care doctor when they begin to notice pain or changes in how their body feels. Both providers play important roles in your health, but the type of care you receive is very different. Understanding these differences can help you make confident decisions about your next steps.

The holiday season brings joy, travel, gatherings, and a shift in daily routines. It also brings small changes that can affect how your body feels. Different sleep schedules, long car rides, heavy shopping bags, and more time on your feet can all add up. As a physical therapist, I often see patients who feel increased stiffness or discomfort around this time of year, not because anything is seriously wrong, but because their usual habits have shifted.

Something I often remind my patients is throughout life you are going to have good days and bad days. As you’re are going through the healing process, you will begin to have more good days than bad. Some days you will feel strong and capable. Other days you might feel like you are taking a step backward. Both are part of the process.

One of the most important things I have learned as a physical therapist is that your body is always communicating with you. It may not use words, but it speaks through movement, tension, and even fatigue. Learning to listen to those signals is one of the best things you can do for your health.

There is something powerful about realizing what your body can do. The first time you stand a little taller, take a step without pain, or lift something that once felt impossible, it changes the way you see yourself. That is what physical therapy is all about. It helps you reconnect with your body and trust it again.

Physical therapy does not end when you leave the clinic. What you do at home plays an important role in how well and how quickly you recover. Home exercises help reinforce the progress you make during sessions and build lasting strength, mobility, and confidence in your movement.

If you are recovering from an injury, living with chronic pain, or simply trying to move better in your daily life, physical therapy can make all the difference. It is not just about exercises or stretches. It is about understanding your body, restoring function, and helping you take control of your health.