The PT Handbook: Why Resting Too Much Can Make Injuries Worse

Welcome! The PT Handbook is a physical therapy newsletter discussing all things physical therapy/sports medicine. This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy LLC where our patient population includes exercise lovers and active individuals. We are a PT private practice that prides itself on providing true one on one service. Not like the big corporate physical therapy companies.

This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world. If you have questions about the field of physical therapy or need to schedule an appointment (virtual/in person), contact us with the link below!

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy LLC- Athlete-level care for every active body

https://www.artofpt.com/contact-us

PT Handbook Conversation: Stop Babying Your Pain or Injury

I’m trying to keep these newsletters quick and easy, so let me know if you are enjoying these in this quick bullet point format 😁 

✅ Why Rest Isn’t Always Best:

• After an injury, most people think: “I should stop moving.”

• Complete rest often backfires

• Muscles lose strength in just days

• Joints stiffen and circulation slows

• Recovery takes longer than it should

Rest is outdated. The modern physical therapist will never prescribe “rest” for any pain or injury. Even post surgical, most good ortho surgeons (keyword good) want the patient moving ASAP.

✅ The Better Option: Active Rest

• Short walks → keep blood flowing and tissues healing

• Gentle stretches → prevent stiffness and maintain mobility

• Light exercises → preserve strength without aggravating pain

Active rest is light, good for circulation and for better healing of ANYTHING. Work with your physical therapist (or me 🙂) to better tailor it to you.

What the Research Says:

• Studies in sports medicine show early, safe movement = faster recovery

• Active rest reduces long-term disability compared to total immobilization

• Even small daily movements send your body powerful “healing signals”

Takeaway: Motion is lotion. don’t just rest, move smart. This is where a good physical therapist can assess your pain or injury and prescribe the appropriate movements/rehab exercises to keep you strong and have you recover faster.

👉 Know anyone babying their pain? Forward this to them NOW.

👉 Need help, ask me!

👉 Make sense? If not, reply to this email. I'd love to hear from you!

Also, check out my latest podcast with my good friend, combat sports coach, Ramy Daoud. We get deep on many mental health topics. I will resume my podcast soon, big things coming on all fronts. The next one will be on back pain again, if you have any topics you want covered just respond to this email!

Enjoying The PT Handbook? We’d love to hear what you think! Hit reply and let us know 😄 Did this newsletter help? I read every message and appreciate your feedback. Yes I really read everything lol.

Until next time,

Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT

Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy LLC

www.artofpt.com