Ask a PT: Why Stress Increases Pain

Question:

Answer:

"When you’re stressed, your body shifts into a “fight-or-flight” state, creating real, physical changes. This can lead to increased muscle tension, heightened sensitivity to pain, and a cycle where pain and stress reinforce each other. The goal is to help your body shift out of that heightened state, reducing pain intensity and improving how your body responds to movement and daily stress. Simple strategies like breathing, mindfulness, and gentle positional work can help support this shift." — Liz Finley, MSPT

Why This Matters

If your pain seems to come and go - or flare during stressful times - it can feel confusing and frustrating.

Understanding that your body’s stress response can directly influence pain helps take some of that uncertainty away.

It's not random, and it’s not “just in your head” - it’s how your system is responding.

When you start to recognize these patterns, you can begin to shift how your body responds, rather than feeling stuck in the cycle.

That’s where physical therapy can help - by looking at the full picture and giving your body the tools to respond more consistently and with less pain.

Have a question you’d like answered?

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