Physiotherapy on Shabbat
Question
Hello, a person who is recovering from a shoulder fracture and has daily physiotherapy exercises—may he lift a weight on Shabbat?
Answer
Hello and blessings,
It is permitted.
Although medical treatments are prohibited on Shabbat, even when done without medications, this applies specifically to matters that can be treated with medications, where the decree of 'שמא ישחוק סממנים' — "lest one grind medicinal ingredients" — applies.
But for types of treatment for which medication is not effective, there is no reason to apply the decree when one performs healing through actions alone.
Answered by
Answers questions at Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Smicha "Yoreh-Yoreh" (2012), Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah
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