Should You Workout Through Pain?

A guideline for working out through aches, pain, or injury.

• If an activity FEELS BETTER the more you do it, then keep moving.

• If an activity BRINGS ON PAIN that is TOLERABLE, then keep moving. This is typically rated 1-4/10 on the pain scale.

• If an activity BRINGS ON PAIN that is NOT TOLERABLE then it needs to be modified or regressed to an activity that is better tolerated. This is typically rated 5/10 or above on the pain scale and would feel like being stung by a bee or worse. 🐝

• The 24 hour rule:

  • If an activity brings on pain, but you feel better within 24 hours, then keep moving.

  • If you feel worse in the 24 hours after working out, then it’s possible you took your body above your tissue threshold. It doesn’t necessarily mean injury, but that you just worked harder than your tissues could happily withstand.

It’s time to get assessed by a physical therapist if:

• If an activity brings on PAIN THAT IS NOT TOLERABLE.

• If your injury, ache, or pain feels WORSE OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

Physical therapists can help when you feel “held back” by persistent aches and pains, keep you moving, and give you the confidence to know the right things to do for your body.

In Health,

Dr. Kira