Welcome to “The PT Handbook!” This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world.
This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at “Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC” where our patient population includes athletes and active individuals. Reply to this email with questions!
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: Why Resting Is Making Your Pain or Injury Worse
You took time off. You rested. Maybe you even stopped training completely…but the pain still comes back.
This is one of the most frustrating things for active people, and it’s something I see all the time as a performance physical therapist.
Rest can absolutely help calm symptoms down at first. When something is irritated, reducing stress on the area can help things settle. That part is normal.
Where people get stuck is resting long enough to feel better, but not long enough to become stronger again.
Your body adapts to what you consistently ask it to do. When activity drops too much, strength decreases, movements feel harder, and your tolerance to load drops with it. Then when you return to normal activity, the pain comes right back.
Not because your body is broken. Usually because it became underprepared.
That’s why the answer often isn’t more rest, more stretching, or avoiding movement forever.
It’s gradually rebuilding capacity again.
Controlled movement, progressive strength training, and slowly increasing load over time are usually what help the body become more resilient. AND SOMETIMES IT TAKES LONGER THAN YOU THINK...BUT THAT'S OK!
Your body gets stronger by adapting to stress, not by avoiding it completely.
And remember, recovery in general also still matters. Sleep, hydration, nutrition, and overall stress levels all affect how well your body adapts to training and activity.
That’s one reason I recommend Thorne. They’re third-party tested and clinically dosed supplements, which matters when you’re trying to support long-term health, recovery, and performance. I use the creatine and multivitamin myself!
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THE TAKEAWAY:
Rest can calm pain down temporarily, but movement and gradual loading are usually what build resilience back up.
Your body is more adaptable than you think, but it takes time. Don't rush it and also don't get discouraged. Stick to the plan your physical therapist gave you (I can give you a plan wink wink) and trust the process. You will overcome.
Pain not going away? Don’t know where to start? Reply to this email or hit the link below to “contact us”😊
My newest podcast with coach Ramy is below! Check it out! Overtaining! 😃
👉 Check out Thorne supplements HERE and get 10% off your first order!
Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use or trust as a PT. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I am a Thorne/Legion supplements ambassador and trust their products.
Book below if you’re stuck in your training or having pain with training:
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C ya,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body