The instinct to stop
When something hurts, the natural reaction is to stop using it. For an acute injury that can be wise for a day or two — but for the everyday aches most people deal with, prolonged rest often makes things stiffer, not better.
A simple rule of thumb
Move within a pain-free range, often. Short, frequent bouts of easy motion keep tissue nourished and remind your nervous system that the area is safe to use.
- Keep the range comfortable — no sharp pain.
- Little and often beats one long session.
- Progress load gradually as it feels easier.
Motion is lotion: tissues love being used the way they were designed to move.
