The Importance of General Exercise—Beyond Your Muscles

When we think about exercise, especially in rehab, we often focus on its benefits for the musculoskeletal system—improved strength, range of motion, endurance, etc. While these factors do influence pain, they are only part of the picture.

Pain is much more than just muscle imbalances, posture, alignment, mobility, or endurance. It is also a neurological, psychological, and social experience, especially when it comes to long-lasting pain (chronic pain).

It’s important to understand that pain is not always directly tied to tissue damage or injury. While pain often begins with an injury, its duration, intensity, and impact on daily life are not necessarily linked to the severity of the damage itself.

One key concept in rehab that helps explain this is pain catastrophizing, which refers to a heightened perception of pain or risk of further injury beyond what is actually happening in the body. This is not the fault of the person experiencing it. Many people develop these beliefs due to misinformation from outdated medical, fitness, physical therapy, chiropractic, and massage practices. Additionally, the attitudes and beliefs of our peer groups play a significant role—if those around us reinforce fear-based thinking about pain and movement, it can strongly influence our own perceptions.

Biologically, research shows that people who experience pain catastrophizing tend to have lower serotonin levels and higher neuroinflammatory markers, both of which contribute to increased pain sensitivity.

Neurologically, this pattern is linked to increased activity in brain regions responsible for interpreting pain, bodily sensations, and emotions. This heightened awareness can create a cycle where the brain becomes more sensitive to pain signals.

This is where general exercise plays a crucial role beyond just strengthening muscles. Exercise has been shown to:
✅ Increase serotonin levels
✅ Reduce neuroinflammatory markers
✅ Shift focus away from pain during safe movement, helping the brain recognize that activity is not dangerous and reducing sensitivity to pain

This is why rehab should always include some form of general exercise, modified as needed to respect any existing injury or condition. True healing isn’t just about repairing tissue—it’s about rebuilding trust in your body’s ability to move safely and engage in the activities you love