Almost every day in my office I hear patients saying they began to have some joint or muscle pain, and as a result stopped exercising. They say this with a great deal of conviction, as if they are sure this must be the right thing to do. Unfortunately, it usually is exactly the wrong thing to do.

Pain in joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles usually means something is wrong or some body part is being stressed in a way that is too much for it. However, the message we should take from this pain is not necessarily to avoid activity entirely. When we avoid doing things, we only become less strong and less flexible. With less flexibility and less strength we set ourselves up for more pain. So what should we do when we get joint, ligament, tendon or muscle pain?

Relative Rest is What's Called For

Relative rest is a term that is well known in sports medicine. It means that you should rest and be active in just the right portion according to the injury you have. It does take some medical common sense and is best directed by a physician who knows what the right combination of rest and activity should be.

Complete rest or inactivity is not the right advice. Settling the acute symptoms of pain and inflammation with physical therapy and/or medication is appropriate. During this early phase of treatment, controlled range of motion and strengthening exercises are also appropriate. Later the goal will be to improve strength, flexibility, conditioning and function as quickly as possible. Ideally, the affected body area should become stronger and more functional than it was prior to the injury.