January 18, 2026: There's more to rehab than strength
Hi friends,
"You're in pain because you're weak."
You've probably heard this in physical therapy, but is it actually true?
We know exercise helps with almost every health problem. And yes, getting stronger is good for nearly everyone. But that doesn't mean building muscle alone will fix your pain.
Just look at powerlifters—some of the strongest people on the planet. They still get injured and deal with pain.
A recent article by Powell and colleagues challenges this old idea. They found that exercise might reduce pain through mechanisms completely unrelated to strength gains:
Decreased pain catastrophizing
Decreased fear of movement
Reduced systemic inflammation
Increased confidence, trust, and motivation
So what does this mean for recovery?
Strength training should be an integral part of physical therapy.
Physical issues—such as weak muscles, poor coordination, and stiffness—still matter and need to be addressed in your rehabilitation.
But recovery is about balancing multiple things: your physical limitations, your beliefs about your body, your fears, and even your life circumstances.
The best PTs work on all these elements together, not just your strength gains.
Until next week,
Kevin
✍️ Quote I’m reflecting upon
“Wise people don’t tell you what to do; they help you process your own thoughts and emotions.”