How to Tell if Pain is Normal – Or a Sign to See a Physio
We all get aches and pains from time to time. Maybe you’ve woken up with a stiff neck, or your knee gets a bit sore after a run. You might wonder, “Is this just normal wear and tear?” or “Should I be worried about this?”
The tricky part is figuring out which pains are harmless—and which ones your body is asking for help with.
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can feel more confident about what to do next.
When Pain is Probably “Normal”
Some discomfort is part of life, especially if you’ve been more active than usual, started a new workout, or slept in a weird position.
Here are a few signs your pain might settle on its own:
It’s mild and goes away in a day or two
You can still move fairly normally
There’s no swelling, bruising, or obvious injury
It’s better with gentle movement and heat/stretching
These are usually signs your body just needs a little time to recover. In these cases, keeping gently active and resting as needed is often enough.
When Pain Is a Sign You Should See a Physio
Sometimes pain is your body’s way of waving a red flag. It might not mean something serious—but it’s worth checking out before it becomes a bigger issue.
Here are some reasons to book in:
The pain sticks around longer than a few days
It keeps coming back, even after it settles for a bit
It stops you from doing your normal activities
You’re changing how you move to avoid it (e.g., limping or guarding)
You feel weakness, pins and needles, or numbness
You’re unsure what caused it in the first place
Even if it doesn’t feel like a “big injury,” pain that lingers is often a sign your body needs some support to recover properly.
Why Early Physio Matters
The sooner we can assess and understand what’s going on, the quicker we can help you get back on track—and often prevent things from getting worse.
You don’t need a referral to see a physio, and it doesn’t have to be serious to be worth looking at. In fact, a lot of our patients tell us, “I wish I’d come in sooner.”
Still Not Sure? Come in for a Quick Chat
We’re always happy to take a look, even if it’s just for peace of mind. You don’t have to wait until something is “bad enough”—sometimes just a small tweak or bit of advice makes a big difference.
Final Thought
Your body is pretty good at letting you know when something’s off—but figuring out what that pain means isn’t always easy. If it’s hanging around, holding you back, or just making you wonder, that’s your sign to check in with us.
Pain isn’t always something to fear—but it is something to listen to.
