Can thinking something will be painful make it painful?

“It hurts when I do that so it’s bad and I shouldn’t do it!” Sounds logical doesn’t it but if you think something will hurt will it hurt more. We know that exercise increases pressure pain thresholds which is known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia. But can thinking that exercise will be painful make it painful?

If you liked this video, please share it.

Make sure you never miss any great new articles and videos by subscribing above.

The content in this video is provided for general information purposes only and is not meant to replace a physiotherapy or medical consultation.

  • Vaegter, Henrik Bjarke, et al. “Power of Words: Influence of Preexercise Information on Hypoalgesia after Exercise-Randomized Controlled Trial.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise (2020).

More like this...

Subscribe to our mailing list

Get tips, offers, new articles & exercises straight to your inbox!

Enquire