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Manage acute pain correctly to avoid chronic pain!
- Yannick Sarton
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Why the first weeks after an injury matter so much
Acute pain is often seen as a temporary problem that will “settle on its own.” In reality, the early phase of an injury is a decisive moment. The body is reorganising tissue, the nervous system is interpreting danger, and your behaviour during these first weeks influences the entire recovery trajectory.
Poor advice, excessive rest, fear of movement, or over-medicalisation can transform a simple injury into months — sometimes years — of persistent pain. Managing acute pain well is not about eliminating every sensation but creating the best conditions for the body and nervous system to recover.
The biggest risk: too much protection
When pain appears suddenly, it is natural to avoid movement. But prolonged rest is one of the strongest predictors of chronicity. Muscles weaken, movement becomes stiffer, and even small efforts produce stronger symptoms.
This creates a false impression that the injury is “worse than expected,” reinforcing fear and avoidance.
The key is not to push through severe pain, but to avoid falling into the trap of inactivity, which slows tissue healing and increases nervous system sensitivity.
Acute pain doesn’t always reflect tissue damage
During the first days of an injury, the body produces swelling, stiffness and sharp sensitivity. These symptoms are part of the normal inflammatory response — the system is protecting the area while healing begins.
But inflammation does not equal severity.
Acute pain is the brain’s protective reaction, not an indicator of long-term danger. Once this is understood, movement becomes less frightening and recovery more predictable.
Why early movement changes everything
Gentle, progressive movement sends powerful signals to the nervous system:
➡ “This area is safe.”
➡ “Movement is possible.”
➡ “The body can handle this level of load.”
These signals reduce sensitivity, restore coordination, maintain circulation and prepare tissues to heal efficiently.
People who move early — within safe limits — recover significantly faster and are far less likely to develop persistent symptoms.
The role of physiotherapy in the acute phase
Modern physiotherapy helps structure the early days :
• identifying what movements are safe
• restoring mobility gradually
• maintaining strength around the injured area
• preventing compensation patterns
• avoiding fear of movement
• giving reassurance based on evidence
Physiotherapy is not about doing everything at once, but about doing the right things at the right time.
Why scans and medical investigations can make pain worse
When pain is fresh, many people seek X-rays, MRIs or multiple medical opinions. Imaging is rarely needed in the acute phase and often leads to confusion when “degeneration,” “disc bulges” or “wear and tear” appear — findings that are normal in the general population.
These results can amplify fear and delay recovery, even when the injury itself is minor.
Guidelines worldwide recommend physiotherapy and graded movement as first-line management for most acute MSK injuries.
Preventing chronic pain is a behavioural process
Chronic pain is not caused by stubborn inflammation or a hidden injury. It is maintained by nervous system hypersensitivity and by behaviours shaped during the acute phase.
People who avoid movement, rely heavily on passive treatments, or interpret pain as damage are more likely to develop persistent symptoms.
Education, reassurance, and structured progression create the environment for the nervous system to stabilise and stop overreacting.
The key message
Managing acute pain correctly is the most effective way to prevent chronic pain.
With the right balance of movement, reassurance, load management and physiotherapy guidance, the body heals quickly — and the nervous system learns to trust movement again.A strong start means a strong recovery.
Whether you are in Phnom Penh or abroad, you can book your next in-clinic or online physiotherapy session today.I’m available worldwide for online consultations — simple, fast, and evidence-based.
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