Understanding Pain

Think rest is the answer to your pain? A physical therapist explains why the opposite is true - and what to do instead.

You've seen the circular bruises on Olympic athletes' backs. You've watched the TikToks. You might have even heard someone say cupping "changed their life" or that it's total pseudoscience and a waste of money. The truth, as it usually does, lives somewhere more interesting than either extreme. Cupping is one of the most mischaracterized tools in rehabilitative care. It's oversold by some, dismissed by others, and genuinely understood by very few. As a Doctor of Physical Ther

Let me set the scene. I had a rare night out - truly, the first in a long time. And I woke up the next morning to something I was not expecting: a large, angry bruise across the top outer part of my foot, and the immediate realization that putting weight on it was not going to happen without a serious wince. My first thought - the same thought literally everyone has in that moment - was: is my foot broken? Cue the anxiety spiral. The lying very still hoping it would somehow i

Short answer? Yes - you can (and should) do physical therapy at home. In fact, most lasting progress happens outside the clinic. With so many exercises, mobility routines, and recovery tools available today, people are more empowered than ever to take care of their bodies on their own. Stretching, strengthening, walking, and mindful movement all have real value - and for many people, they’re essential. The key question isn’t whether at-home work helps. It’s whether you’re wo

If you’ve ever said “I just feel really tight” or “I need to stretch all the time,” you’re not alone. Stretching often feels good. It can temporarily reduce discomfort, give you a sense of relief, and make your body feel more at ease—especially after long days at a desk, workouts, or repetitive movement. But here’s the honest question most people never get answered: If stretching worked, wouldn’t your pain be gone by now? Why Stretching Feels Good (But Often Doesn’t Fix the P

What should you expect on the road to recovery? The Pain Resolution Scale Let's discuss pain and symptom severity, because your body's sensations tell us something. Your body & brain was built to have a physiological response to pain sensations, and it's important to listen to and partner with your body on your journey to pain resolution. Below is the pain resolution scale, that helps gauge where you are on your way to being pain-free. The left side (radiating pain) being the

Pain isn’t just something that lives in your body - it lives in your mind too. Chronic pain can hijack your attention, influence your emotions, and change the way your nervous system responds to even the simplest movements. Where your focus goes, your body follows: over time, the nervous system can amplify sensations, making harmless motions feel threatening and everyday tasks feel difficult. Understanding pain as both a physical and a neurological experience helps us see tha

Figure out how to fix your pain by understanding it better.