Can You Exercise With Pain?

By Dr Jeremy Balbin (Chiropractor)

Recent injury? Managing an old injury? Dealing with long-term nagging aches and pains? Wondering if you can go back to the gym and start exercising again? The short answer is usually: Yes, but with modifications.

Understanding Pain During Exercise

It's crucial to distinguish between "good pain" (muscle fatigue or mild soreness from exertion) and "bad pain" (sharp, stabbing, or joint pain indicating injury). While you shouldn't push through bad pain, complete rest is rarely the best solution for musculoskeletal issues.

The Benefits of Exercising with Modifications

• Active Recovery: Gentle movement increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues and speeding up healing.
• Preventing Deconditioning: Modifying your workout allows you to maintain fitness in uninjured areas while the injured area heals.
• Pain Modulation: Exercise releases endorphins, your body's natural painkillers, which can help reduce the perception of chronic pain.

How to Proceed Safely

If you're dealing with pain, consult a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist, before returning to exercise. They can provide a proper diagnosis, guide you on which movements to avoid, and prescribe specific rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the area and prevent future injury.