If you’ve ever tweaked your back at the gym, strained a hamstring while running, or felt shoulder pain after a round of golf, you’ve probably been told to “just rest.” While rest has its place, too much rest can actually slow recovery and prolong pain.
At Highland Spine and Sport in Roanoke, VA, we help athletes and active individuals understand the difference between rest and active recovery—and why movement is often the better medicine.
After an injury, your body needs time to heal. But staying completely inactive can:
This is why so many weekend warriors and athletes find themselves stuck in a cycle of recurring injuries when they rely on total rest alone.
Active recovery means keeping your body moving in safe, controlled ways that support healing without aggravating the injury. It focuses on circulation, mobility, and gentle strength.
Examples of active recovery include:
At Highland Spine and Sport, we design individualized active recovery plans so patients can heal while staying engaged in the activities they love.
A good rule of thumb:
If you’re unsure, working with a provider trained in sports chiropractic, soft tissue therapy, and functional rehab—like Dr. Amos at Highland Spine and Sport—can help guide your recovery safely.
Our Roanoke clinic combines chiropractic care with evidence-based therapies to accelerate recovery, including: