PT Tip of the Week: Movement is Medicine

When pain strikes, it’s tempting to stop moving altogether. While rest has a role in acute injuries, prolonged inactivity often delays recovery. Muscles, tendons, and joints heal best when they’re gently loaded. Movement increases circulation, delivers nutrients to tissues, and helps reduce stiffness. For example, walking after low back pain or gentle mobility after a sprain can speed recovery far more than extended bed rest. The key is controlled and pain-free movement—not pushing into discomfort. If an exercise feels sharp or worsening, it’s too much. But finding ways to keep moving safely helps tissues remodel stronger and prevents secondary stiffness or weakness. When in doubt, “motion is lotion.”

Are you in pain or recovering from an injury and need guidance on how. to keep moving to speed up recovery? Schedule a free consult today!