The question of allowing pain, or avoiding it, during exercise based rehab remains contentious and uncertain. So, like any good scientist, we (led by Ivy Tran) studied the evidence-base and sought an answer to this clinical conundrum to help not just you, but us too! What did we find? Listen to the episode to find out.

Key resources

Tran I et al. Effectiveness of Painful Versus Nonpainful Exercise on Pain Intensity, Disability, and Other Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: An Updated Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025

Smith BE et al. Should exercises be painful in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2017

Register for the complete shoulder online course

Register for The Complete Clinician Mentorship

Connect with Jared:

Jared on Instagram: @‌shoulder_physio

Jared on X: @‌jaredpowell12

See our Disclaimer here: The Shoulder Physio - Disclaimer

#62: Pain during exercise: friend or foe?

The Shoulder Physio Podcast

#62: Pain during exercise: friend or foe?