Why absolute rest can backfire
Local inflammation after injury causes protective pain, but repeated inflammation can change nerves and tissues. Supporting tissues lose strength if they are not used.
Dr. Nitish Mandal
Should I rest or keep moving when I have chronic pain?
Avoid what increases the pain. Do not use absolute rest for weeks. Strengthen with movements that are not painful.
Avoid everything that increases your pain. Do not use absolute rest for weeks to months. Keep strengthening with movements that are not painful, including other parts of the body.
This article is from Dr. Nitish Mandal, Consultant Pain Physician in Bangalore, with clinics in Koramangala and J.P. Nagar. Reviewed by Dr. Nitish Mandal, MBBS, MD, FIPM, TIPM (Nashville).
Published 2025-06-01 · Updated 2026-09-22
Rule 1: avoid what increases the pain
Avoid everything that causes or increases your pain. Examples include computer work that increases wrist pain, walking that increases hip or knee pain, and racquet sports that increase shoulder or elbow pain.
Rule 2: keep moving in a range that is not painful
Absolute rest for weeks to months can weaken muscles and tendons. Move in ways that are not painful. Exercise other parts of the body, and strengthen the painful part using angles or resistance that do not provoke pain.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I stop all exercise?
- No. Avoid what sharply increases the pain. Keep moving in ways that are not painful.
- Does this replace a clinic visit?
- No. These are daily rules. Persistent pain still needs examination to find the source.
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Dr. Nitish Mandal
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I have tried tablets and physiotherapy. What is different here?
Find the source of the pain, then treat that source with a clinic injection, block, or infusion. You are typically able to go home the same day.
Where are the clinics, and do I need an appointment?
Koramangala and J.P. Nagar. Prior appointment is preferred. You can book from this website.