When dealing with a pain, it's natural to wonder about the best approach. Should you rest it completely? Or, is it better to try to keep it moving? The answer, as with many things in life, lies in finding a balance. 

Loading the injured area :

• This refers to gradually and progressively increasing the stress placed on the painful area.
• This can involve exercises, stretches, or even simply using the affected body part for everyday activities.
• Loading helps to stimulate healing, improve strength and flexibility, and reduce pain over time.

 Protecting the area :

• This involves limiting the use of the injured area to prevent further damage and allow it to heal.
• This might involve rest, immobilization with a brace or sling, or avoiding certain activities that aggravate the pain.

Finding the Right Balance :

The decision of whether to load or protect depends on several factors, including:

 The nature of the injury:

Some injuries, such as fractures or severe ligament tears, need complete protection and immobilization for a while. Others, such as muscle strains or sprains, may benefit from early loading and movement.

 The severity of the pain :

If it is severe and debilitating, it may be necessary to protect the area initially. However, as it subsides, gradual loading can be introduced.

 The stage of healing :

In the early stages of healing, protection is often necessary to allow the tissues to repair themselves. As the healing progresses, loading can be gradually increased to promote tissue remodeling and prevent stiffness.

 Your individual needs and goals:

The best approach will also depend on your specific needs and goals. For example, an athlete recovering from a sports injury may require a more aggressive loading program. This is different than someone who simply wants to return to their daily activities.

How Physiotherapy Will Help :

A physiotherapist can help you decide the best approach for your specific situation. 

• At Cura Advanced Physiotherapy our best physiotherapist will assess your injury.
• They will consider your individual needs and goals.
• Then, they will develop a personalized treatment plan.
• This plan includes appropriate loading and protection strategies. 
• They can also guide you through exercises and activities that are safe and effective for your condition.

General Guidelines in pain :

 Listen to your body:

Pay attention to your pain levels and stop any activity that causes significant pain.

 Start slowly and gradually increase the load:

Don't try to do too much too soon. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities as your pain allows.

 Use pain as a guide:

A little bit of discomfort is okay, but you should never push yourself to the point of severe pain.

 Be patient:

Healing takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.