Still Sore After Resting?
Here's Why this may be a problem
By Eike Prehn
01/08/2025
Rest is important—but it’s often misunderstood.
Injury recovery is rarely passive. And while rest may reduce pain initially, it doesn’t always solve the underlying problem. In fact, too much rest can lead to deconditioning, loss of strength, and increased injury risk when returning to activity.
Common reasons rest alone doesn’t help:
- Tissue load tolerance has not improved
- Motor control and strength haven’t been restored
- Pain returns with increased activity because the tissue has not been reconditioned
Take something like a low-grade hamstring strain. Rest for two weeks and it feels better—but sprint and it’s back. Why? Because rehab missed the key strength-building and return-to-sprint phases.
...Or plantar heel pain that eases with a week off running—but returns on day one back to joggers. That’s a load issue, not just inflammation. It's important to see a physiotherapist for a thorough assessment, tailored guidance, and ongoing monitoring to support optimal healing and prevent further injury.
Greg Jones
Erin Brighenti
Jack Nuske
Eike Prehn
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