Keep Training Through Pain—Don’t “Stop”| Portland Maine PT

Injured or sore? The common advice is “Stop squatting” or “Skip the bench press.” Problem is—that stalls progress and creates fear. Pain usually doesn’t mean stop. It means adjust.

How to keep moving:

• Switch the variation: Try front squats, goblet squats, incline presses, or push-ups instead of painful options.
• Modify range: Partial squats or board presses protect joints while still training strength.
• Adjust load & tempo: Lower weight, slow the eccentric phase, or break reps into clusters.
• Change stance or grip: Small tweaks in position often make movements pain-free.
• Use equipment: Bands, pins, or safety bars can reduce stress while keeping you moving.

Why it matters:

Stopping breeds fear, frustration, and loss of strength. Smart modifications let you:

• Keep strength and skill
• Stay confident and engaged
• Progress without unnecessary downtime

Bottom line:

Pain is rarely a stop sign. Modify, don’t eliminate. Keep squatting, pressing, pulling, and hinging—stay in the game, stay strong.

The Takeaway

At Engine Room, we don’t believe in “just stopping” when pain shows up. Our goal is to keep you training smart — not sidelined. By adjusting your movement, load, or setup, we help you stay consistent, build confidence, and make progress even when things feel off.

Whether you’re dealing with knee pain on squats or shoulder discomfort on presses, we’ll help you find the variation that keeps you moving forward. 💪

👉 Train through pain the right way — not the risky way.
Learn how we keep athletes performing at their best at Engine Room Performance PT.

👉 Want help dialing in your recovery and performance? Book a free discovery call with Dr. Liam Bryant at Engine Room Performance PT and see how we can help you move better, recover faster, and crush your next goal.