Movement Is Medicine

Humans Are Built to Move

Humans are designed to move.

Our evolutionary edge? Mobility. It’s how we hunted, gathered, adapted, and dominated the food chain. Yet today, movement is treated like an optional extra—especially when pain shows up.

The truth? There is no better fix for most injuries, restrictions, or pain than smart, intentional movement.

The Problem with "Rest"

Too often, we go to our GP with a musculoskeletal issue and are told to rest and take anti-inflammatories.

This isn’t a dig at your local doctor. It’s just not their specialty. Most GPs aren’t trained in the biomechanics or rehab of soft tissue injuries. Unless you're in need of a script for serious pain relief (also not advised long term), your GP should be your last stop—not your first.

Why? Because "rest" can be one of the worst things you do.

Rest reduces blood flow. It stops joint motion. It turns muscles off. It teaches your body to stay injured.

What Actually Happens After Injury

Let’s say you tweak your back deadlifting or tying your shoes.

The body instantly reacts to protect itself. Muscles around the area spasm to guard the spine. But here’s the thing—it’s not the injury itself causing most of the pain. It’s those spasming muscles locking things up.

Now imagine you lie down and do nothing. Those spasms stay locked in. Pain stays high.

But if you move—gently, pain-free—those spasms begin to ease. Even just walking can make a massive difference.

If You Can Move Without Pain—Move

The goal is to restore natural movement patterns as soon as possible. Limping? Guarding? Avoiding normal posture? That only trains the brain to expect pain.

The longer you move awkwardly, the longer pain hangs around.

Remember: movement is information for your nervous system. Good movement = less threat = less pain.

Animals Get It Right

Watch what a dog does after hurting its leg.

They don’t grab crutches. They don’t whinge. They start moving the leg as soon as they can.

And guess what? Within days, they’re walking fine again. Their brain never got a chance to overprotect.

Final Word

Next time you feel a niggle, a tweak, or a flare-up—don’t rush to shut everything down.

If it’s safe and pain-free to move, do it.

Walk. Stretch. Move the joint. Let the body do what it does best.

That’s what recovery is made of.

Myo Mick