Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common health problems in the world. In fact, musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) affect more than half of adults in the United States and are the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Despite how common they are, most people only focus on pain after an injury occurs. But research shows that many injuries and chronic pain conditions develop because of underlying risk factors that were never addressed.
At Aureum Physio in Cary, NC, we take a different approach. Instead of only treating pain, we look at the root causes that increase injury risk, helping patients move better, stay active, and prevent recurring problems.
What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders include over 150 conditions affecting muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues.
Common examples include:
- Low back pain
- Tendon injuries
- Muscle strains
- Joint degeneration such as osteoarthritis
- Sports injuries
- Chronic movement limitations
These conditions often start with pain but can also lead to reduced mobility, weakness, balance problems, and decreased physical activity.
Because movement becomes painful, many people become less active, which can further worsen health, fitness, and long-term function.
Why Pain Alone Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
A major insight from recent research is that musculoskeletal injuries are rarely caused by a single issue. Instead, they develop from a combination of risk factors that affect how the body moves and tolerates activity. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chance of injury or chronic pain.
For example, someone with a combination of factors that could include reduced ankle mobility, reduced hip strength, a previous injury, and/or scapular stability deficits is much more likely to develop future musculoskeletal problems than someone with only one of these issues.
11 Key Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injury
Researchers identified several factors strongly associated with injury and long-term musculoskeletal problems.
- Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion
- Higher Body Mass Index
- Poor Cardiovascular Fitness
- Impaired Dynamic Balance
- Dysfunctional Movement Patterns
- Muscle Weakness
- Pain During Movement
- Incomplete Recovery After Injury
- Low Physical Activity Levels
- Previous Injury
- Psychological Health
Why Screening for Risk Factors Matters
Many patients finish rehabilitation feeling better—but still have multiple unresolved risk factors. One study found that over 70% of patients discharged from rehab still had at least five injury risk factors. That means the pain may be gone temporarily, but the underlying problems remain. This is why a comprehensive movement assessment is essential. Instead of focusing only on the injured body part, at Aureum Physio, we evaluate the entire movement system to identify limitations affecting long-term musculoskeletal health.
How Physical Therapy Reduces Injury Risk
Research shows that targeted therapy programs can reduce multiple risk factors during rehabilitation, improving overall musculoskeletal health.
At Aureum Physio, this often includes:
- Movement assessments
- Strength and stability training
- Mobility restoration
- Running or movement analysis
- Individualized exercise programs
The Aureum Physio Approach to Musculoskeletal Health
At Aureum Physio, we believe the best treatment plan goes beyond pain relief.
Our one-on-one physical therapy sessions focus on:
✔ Identifying injury risk factors
✔ Restoring efficient movement patterns
✔ Building strength and resilience
✔ Helping patients return to the activities they love
By addressing the root causes of injury, patients can move with confidence and reduce the likelihood of recurring pain.
Take Control of Your Musculoskeletal Health
Musculoskeletal pain is common—but it doesn’t have to be inevitable.
Understanding and addressing your individual risk factors can dramatically improve how your body moves, performs, and feels.
If you are dealing with pain, recovering from injury, or want to optimize movement and performance, expert physical therapy can help.
Schedule an evaluation at Aureum Physio in Cary, NC to discover how your body moves—and how to move better.