Many people believe that when something hurts, the best solution is to rest until the pain goes away. While rest may be helpful during the early stages of an injury, prolonged inactivity can actually make many chronic conditions worse. If you've been dealing with neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, or joint stiffness for months, physical therapy may be one of the most effective ways to regain function and reduce discomfort. Understanding Chronic Pain Chronic pain