Should You Stop Moving When You’re in Pain? | Digi4MSK Explains скачать в хорошем качестве

Should You Stop Moving When You’re in Pain? | Digi4MSK Explains

"Rest completely when you're in pain" — sounds logical, right? But it might not always be the best solution. In this short video, we explain what science says about activity and pain, and why gentle movement can often help more than total rest. 💡 Discover: ✔️ When rest is useful — and when it may be harmful ✔️ What kind of activities to try instead ✔️ How to move safely without making your pain worse ✔️ Why staying active supports recovery and confidence Whether you're dealing with back pain, joint pain, or persistent discomfort, this video will help you understand how to stay active — the smart way. 📌 For more videos and tips, subscribe to our channel and visit https://digi4msk.eu 🎥 Produced as part of the EU-funded project DIGI4MSK – Empowering people with musculoskeletal pain through digital health. Video transcription: Should you stop all activity when you are in pain? Have you ever felt pain and wanted to stop exercising or even moving because you were afraid it would make the pain worse? Research shows that stopping all activity is often not the best approach. In fact, exercising at a lower intensity can help your body recover and gradually reduce pain. Why is it not helpful to stop all movement? Taking a break from certain activities can be beneficial when you are in pain. However, avoiding movement completely can make things worse. Without movement, muscles and joints can become stiff, which may increase the sensation of pain. Inactivity can lead to a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength, making it harder to return to your normal activities. If the body remains inactive for a long time, the nervous system can become more sensitive, potentially increasing pain. Gentle exercise and physical activity promote blood flow, helping circulate oxygen and endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones. When is rest appropriate? Although movement generally has a positive effect on pain, there are situations where exercise should be limited. If you experience severe pain that clearly worsens with movement, it is reasonable to take a break and try again later. If the pain persists or continues to worsen, consult a medical doctor. If you notice significant signs of injury, such as swelling or redness, seek advice from a healthcare professional. If pain is accompanied by unusual symptoms such as numbness or fever, see a doctor for further evaluation. How can you keep moving safely? Instead of stopping all physical activity, consider adjusting how you move. There are safe ways to remain active even when in pain. Choose low-impact activities. Walking, cycling, or water-based exercises are good examples. Modify your movements. Rather than giving up activities you enjoy, adjust the intensity or range of motion to suit your current condition. A physiotherapist or other exercise professional can help guide you. Increase activity gradually. Start with small movements or low intensity and slowly build up as your body adapts. Remember, when you are in pain, completely stopping movement is usually not the best solution. Light activity can help reduce pain and stiffness, maintain muscle strength, and improve overall well-being. If you are unsure about what is safe for you, speak with your healthcare professional.