
10/06/2025
Moving Beyond Pain:
The Truth About Fear and Movement
Why do so many people in pain stop moving?
Because they believe movement will make it worse. But what if that belief is actually part of the problem?
If you’ve been living with chronic pain—maybe it’s in your lower back, shoulder, or neck—you’re likely familiar with that voice that says, “Don’t move, or you’ll hurt yourself more.”
That voice, while protective, can also be misleading.
This is what we call “ kinesiophobia”—the fear of movement. And it can trap people in a cycle of pain, fear, and physical decline.
But here’s the truth: avoiding movement doesn’t stop pain. In fact, it often makes it worse.
How does this happen?
When we stop moving:
• Our joints become stiffer.
• Our muscles weaken.
• Our nervous system becomes more sensitive.
• And our confidence in our own body shrinks.
Research in 2025 has shown that this fear of movement plays a major role in chronic musculoskeletal pain. In other words, it’s not just the original injury that’s the issue—it’s how we respond to it.
The good news? This cycle can be broken.
At Inglewood Physiotherapy, we use a combination of education, guided movement, and reassurance to help you rebuild trust in your body. We don’t just treat pain—we help you understand it, so you can move forward without fear.
What can you expect from your physiotherapy journey with us?
✅ We’ll start with a conversation. We want to know what you’re afraid of—and what you want to get back to.
✅ We’ll build a plan that includes graded exposure—gradually reintroducing movements in a safe and supportive way.
✅ We’ll teach you how to listen to your body—not fear it.
✅ And we’ll celebrate the small wins along the way: tying your shoes again, picking up your child, walking without hesitation.
Final Thoughts – Let’s Replace Fear with Freedom
Kinesiophobia tells you to avoid.
Physiotherapy tells you to explore—safely, progressively, confidently.
If you’ve been held back by fear, know this: your body is capable of more than you think.
You just need the right guidance, the right pace, and the right mindset to move again.
And that’s what we’re here for.
👉 Book a consultation with us at Inglewood Physiotherapy and take the first step toward movement without fear. Phone 9272 2600.
Or book online: www.inglewood.physio
Cheers,
Shaun