25/05/2025
Should You Exercise When You're in Pain? Let's Break It Down!
Pain can be tricky — it’s your body’s way of saying something isn’t right. But not all pain means stop. As physiotherapists, we often distinguish between injury pain (sharp, sudden, or worsening) and therapeutic discomfort (mild soreness or tightness that improves with movement).
When pain stems from muscle weakness, stiffness, or poor posture, controlled and guided exercise is often part of the solution — not the problem. In fact, stopping all movement can sometimes worsen the issue by causing stiffness or deconditioning.
The key is to:
Know your pain: Is it sharp or dull? Localized or radiating?
Modify, don’t avoid: Switch to pain-free ranges or gentler versions of the exercise.
Seek guidance: A physiotherapist can assess the root cause and tailor exercises that promote healing without aggravating your symptoms.
Movement is medicine — when done right.
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