Common causes
- Joint arthritis or a persistent tendon or soft-tissue problem.
- Repeated loading beyond current physical capacity.
- Muscle weakness, stiffness or incomplete rehabilitation after injury.
- Nerve irritation or referred pain that resembles muscle or joint pain.
- Inflammatory or systemic conditions needing additional medical assessment.
How we evaluate
History considers the painful regions, duration, activity relationship, prior injuries and the effect on sleep, work and movement. A physiatric examination assesses joint motion, strength, gait, focal tenderness and neurological findings. Existing imaging is reviewed against the examination rather than treated as the sole explanation. Testing is selected when it can answer a useful question; diffuse symptoms, inflammatory features or unexplained change may need coordinated assessment with another clinician. A functional baseline helps guide rehabilitation and subsequent review.
Treatment options
we may discuss.
Performance Health / rehabilitation
Rehabilitation may combine progressive strength, mobility and gradual exposure to tolerated activity. Load management adjusts task intensity, duration and recovery rather than assuming either complete rest or pushing through pain is appropriate. Goals reflect everyday demands, with therapist coordination and reassessment when symptoms change. Sleep and pacing can support the plan without implying that pain is imagined. Surgery is reserved for a defined structural problem that truly requires it.
Regenerative & Cell-Based Medicine
Regenerative options may be discussed for a clearly diagnosed tendon, ligament or joint target when the evidence and tissue suitability support them. They are not established treatments for diffuse unexplained pain or assumed to restore every painful tissue. PRP and cell-based options have different evidence and regulatory considerations, which are reviewed separately. Any intervention complements rehabilitation rather than replacing progressive loading or assessment of an underlying inflammatory condition.
Targeted Pain Management
Medication review may support rehabilitation when the diagnosis and safety profile justify it. Targeted procedures, including selected joint, nerve or trigger point injections, are considered only when examination supports a focal source. Procedures are image-guided, using ultrasound or X-ray guidance depending on the target. Steroids are used only when needed, not as a default answer to chronic pain. Response and function are reviewed before further treatment is discussed.
Related treatments
From the Journal
Related conditions
Common
questions.
When to seek
care urgently.
Seek emergency care for new bladder or bowel dysfunction, rapidly worsening weakness or severe pain with loss of limb circulation. A hot swollen joint with fever, unexplained weight loss or rapidly changing pain needs prompt medical evaluation.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Medical Disclaimer