Why Pain Might Be the Solution: Understanding the Root Cause of Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is often seen as the problem—an annoying, sometimes debilitating issue that stops you from doing what you love. But what if pain was actually the solution? Not in the sense that we want to experience it, but in that it highlights dysfunction elsewhere in the body, helping us pinpoint the true cause of discomfort.
In many cases, the site of pain is not the source of the problem. Instead, pain is a symptom of underlying biomechanical imbalances, movement restrictions, or muscular weaknesses. Understanding this can be the key to effective treatment and long-term recovery.
Pain as a Messenger: The Chain Reaction of Dysfunction
Our body works as a connected system—when one area isn’t functioning well, another has to compensate, leading to overload and pain. A classic in clinic example? Knee pain.
I recently had a case for a young man, where he is a heavy sportsman, both as a hockey player, and a cricket bowler, full of energy and love for his sport, but had this ever growing knee pain post activity; then one day a sudden aggressive onset of debilitating pain that brought him into clinic. Looking into the knee, though subjective pain questioning and objective assessment, not only did we find clear inflammatory responses to the muscles tendons coming into the knee but this was only a clue as to ‘why’ this happen. Well the knee is only a fulcrum for activity, especial for these sports particularly, so the only logical place to look for the instigator of movement in these sports is the ankle, with no pain present, but complete loss of ankle dorsiflexion (bending upward at the ankle).
1. Lack of ankle dorsiflexion (restricted ankle mobility) → Leads to compensations up the chain
2. The knee absorbs excessive load to make up for the ankle's limitation
3. Over time, this results in pain, inflammation, or even injury to other areas → explicity to the knee in this case
Solutions? treating the knee directly might offer temporary relief (which is okay), but unless the restricted ankle mobility is addressed, the pain will likely return. In many cases, highly resolvable for most; but in cases where this cannot be fixed due to specific issue such as blockages or growth issues, we can work on technics and tolerance specific to the sportsman/woman and still enable you to do the things you love.
Other Common Examples of Referred Pain:
Lower Back Pain – Could stem from poor hip mobility, weak glutes, or a stiff thoracic spine, causing the lower back to overwork.
Shoulder Pain – May actually be a result of poor scapular control or weak rotator cuff muscles, often linked to thoracic mobility issues.
Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain) – Sometimes a consequence of tight calves or limited big toe mobility, leading to compensations in gait.
How to Use Pain as a Diagnostic Tool Instead of just focusing on where the pain is, we should ask:
1. Why is this happening?
2. What other areas might be influencing this?
3. How can I address the root cause rather than just the symptoms?
A thorough movement assessment, mobility testing, and strength evaluation can often reveal the true source of dysfunction. By addressing biomechanical imbalances, we not only resolve pain but enhance movement efficiency, prevent future injuries, and improve overall performance.
Final Thoughts: Pain Isn’t Always a Problem—It’s a Clue
Pain is your body’s way of communicating that something isn’t working as it should. Instead of viewing it as an isolated issue, use it as an opportunity to assess, correct, and improve movement patterns.
If you’re struggling with persistent pain and want to get to the root of the issue, consider working with a Sports & Exercise Therapist to assess your movement and create a tailored rehab plan.
Move smarter, not just harder—your body will thank you for it.
