Why Focusing on Function

When you’re dealing with pain, it’s easy to feel like your whole life revolves around it. Every little twinge or flare-up can feel like a setback, and you might find yourself wondering, “Am I even getting better?”

Here’s the thing: pain is only one part of the picture. If we make it our only measure of progress, we’re missing out on all the amazing gains your body is making in the background. In fact, some of the best indicators of progress in physical therapy aren’t about pain at all—they’re about function.

Let’s break that down.

Why Function Matters More Than Pain

Pain can be unpredictable. It doesn’t always perfectly match up with what’s happening in your body. Modern pain science tells us that pain is influenced not just by tissue damage, but also by your nervous system, stress levels, sleep, emotions, and even your beliefs about movement.

So if you’re only tracking pain, you’re giving all the power to something that can fluctuate for lots of reasons outside your control. That’s frustrating and discouraging.

Instead, think about this:
✅ Can you deadlift 10lb heavier without increased pain?
✅ Are you able to squat with improved form and depth?
✅ Can you walk half of a mile further prior to experiencing discomfort?
✅ Are your flare-ups happening less often or lasting for a shorter time?

These are HUGE wins—even if pain is still hanging around a little. They mean your body is getting stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to handle the activities you love.

The Nervous System Connection: Why This Approach Works

Here’s something really cool about your body: the more you focus on what you can do and gradually build up your activity, the more your nervous system learns to calm down.

Pain is like your body’s alarm system. When you’ve been in pain for a while, that alarm system can get overly sensitive—sounding off even when there’s no real danger. This is called “central sensitization.”

By focusing on functional gains—lifting more weight, walking longer distances, or doing your favorite workouts again—you’re sending your brain and nervous system a powerful message: “Movement is safe. My body can handle this.”

Over time, this helps turn down the sensitivity of that alarm system. Your nervous system stops overreacting, which can lead to:
✔️ Less intense pain
✔️ Less frequent flare-ups
✔️ More confidence in your body

This is one of the most empowering parts of recovery—you’re not just treating pain, you’re retraining your whole system to feel safe and strong again.

The Power of Small Wins

Every time you hit a functional milestone, you’re building momentum. It’s easy to brush off these changes as “not enough,” but they’re actually proof that you’re moving in the right direction. Celebrating these wins trains your brain to focus on growth instead of limitations.

If you can deadlift 10 pounds more this week than last, or run an extra half mile, or get through your favorite CrossFit WOD with better pacing—even if your pain is still there—you’re making progress. You’re proving that pain doesn’t have to hold you back.

You’re in Control

Remember: pain doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t get to set all the rules. By shifting your focus to function, you’re taking back control. Every squat, every step, every weight lifted is proof that you’re stronger and more capable than you were yesterday.

The more consistently you focus on what your body can do, the less power pain has over you. You’re not just managing symptoms—you’re building a life where pain doesn’t call the shots anymore.

Keep going. Celebrate every step. You’ve got this.