One of the most common questions we hear at Centre of Health Physiotherapy & Chinese Medicine in Ivanhoe is:
“Should I keep moving, or rest when I’m in pain?”
The answer is rarely a simple yes or no. Pain doesn’t always mean damage, and avoiding movement for too long can sometimes slow recovery. Our integrated approach — combining physiotherapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and remedial massage — helps guide safe, appropriate movement while supporting healing.
Why Pain Doesn’t Always Mean You Should Stop Moving
Pain is the body’s warning system, but it doesn’t always reflect tissue damage. Pain can be influenced by:
Muscle tension and stiffness
Joint restriction
Nervous system sensitivity
Stress and fatigue
Reduced movement or deconditioning
In many cases, gentle, guided movement can help reduce pain rather than worsen it.
When Exercise Can Help
With the right guidance, exercise can:
Improve circulation and tissue healing
Reduce stiffness and muscle tension
Improve strength and joint stability
Help calm an overactive nervous system
Build confidence in movement again
This is where physiotherapy plays a key role.
Physiotherapy: Safe Movement and Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy helps determine what type of movement is safe and beneficial for you. At our Ivanhoe clinic, physiotherapy focuses on:
Assessing movement and pain triggers
Prescribing appropriate exercises
Gradually increasing strength and tolerance
Teaching pacing and load management
This approach helps prevent flare-ups while encouraging recovery.
Acupuncture: Reducing Pain and Improving Movement Comfort
Acupuncture is often used alongside physiotherapy to help make movement more comfortable. It may help by:
Reducing pain sensitivity
Relaxing tight muscles
Improving circulation
Calming the nervous system
Many patients find acupuncture allows them to move more freely and confidently during rehabilitation.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Recovery Support
Chinese herbal medicine may be used to support recovery by:
Reducing inflammation
Supporting energy and resilience
Improving sleep and recovery
Helping manage stress-related pain
Herbal medicine is tailored to the individual and often combined with acupuncture.
Remedial Massage to Support Exercise and Recovery
Remedial massage helps release muscle tension and improve flexibility, making it easier to return to activity. Massage can:
Reduce post-exercise soreness
Improve circulation
Support ongoing physiotherapy care
Knowing When to Modify or Rest
There are times when rest or modified movement is important, such as:
Acute injury or inflammation
Sharp or worsening pain
Pain with neurological symptoms
Our practitioners help you understand when to move, when to modify, and when to rest, so you don’t have to guess.
Supporting Patients in Ivanhoe and Surrounding Suburbs
Our clinic is based in Ivanhoe, Melbourne, and we regularly support patients from:
Bellfield, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West, Alphington, Bulleen, Rosanna, Preston and Thornbury.
If you’re looking for physiotherapy, acupuncture or Chinese medicine near Ivanhoe, we’re here to help you move safely and confidently.
Book an Appointment at Centre of Health Ivanhoe
If pain is stopping you from exercising or moving with confidence, personalised guidance can help.
👉 Book an appointment at Centre of Health Physiotherapy & Chinese Medicine Ivanhoe and take the next step toward safe, comfortable movement.