Its important to find out which issue is which?

t’s not always easy to know if your pain is coming from a muscle or a joint. It might have started after exercise, lifting something heavy, or just waking up feeling stiff. But understanding where the pain is coming from is the first step to getting the right treatment and feeling better faster.

At Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool, we help people every day who aren’t sure what’s causing their pain. They just know something doesn’t feel right. The good news? Once we figure out what’s going on, we can start helping you move more comfortably again.

What is a muscle strain?

A muscle strain happens when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. This often occurs during physical activity, especially if the muscle is tight, tired, or not warmed up properly.

Signs of a muscle strain can include:

A sharp or pulling pain when you move
Tenderness in one specific area of the muscle
Muscle tightness or even spasms
Slight swelling or bruising
Pain that gets worse with certain movements or stretches

This type of pain is often felt in the hamstrings, shoulders, calves or lower back.

What is joint pain?

Joint pain usually feels deeper than a muscle strain. It’s often linked to things like arthritis, inflammation, or injury to the ligaments or cartilage around the joint. It can build up over time, or come on suddenly after a specific incident.

You might notice:

A dull ache inside the joint
Stiffness, especially after sitting or sleeping
Swelling or warmth around the joint
Clicking or grinding when you move
Pain when standing, walking, or putting weight on the joint

Common spots for joint pain include your knees, hips, ankles, shoulders and wrists.

So how do you know which it is?

One clue is where you feel the pain. If it’s in the muscle and easy to press on, it’s more likely a muscle strain. If the pain feels deeper, inside the joint, and you notice swelling or stiffness, joint pain could be the cause.

Another clue is what makes the pain worse. Muscle strains usually hurt more when you move or stretch in certain ways. Joint pain often feels worst after you’ve been still for a while, like first thing in the morning.

If you’re not sure, don’t guess. A professional assessment is the safest and quickest way to find out what’s going on.

When should you see a physio?

If your pain has been around for more than a few days, or it’s stopping you from moving properly, it’s time to get some help.

You should book a physiotherapy session if:

The pain lasts more than 3 to 5 days
You’re struggling with everyday tasks like walking, lifting or sitting
You’ve had this pain before and it keeps coming back
The area feels swollen, weak or stiff
You want to make sure you recover properly and avoid future problems

At Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool, we’ll help you understand what’s causing the pain and guide you through a treatment plan that actually works for your body and your lifestyle.

Can physiotherapy help with both?

Yes, absolutely. Whether it’s a muscle injury or joint problem, physiotherapy can make a big difference. Treatment might include hands-on therapy, exercises to build strength and mobility, and advice on how to move better in daily life.

Our goal is to help you feel better, move more freely, and prevent the issue from coming back.

Final thoughts

If you’re not sure whether it’s a muscle or joint problem, don’t wait for it to get worse. Getting the right advice early on can save you weeks of discomfort and speed up your recovery.

Ready to feel better?

Book your physio session today at Functional Movement Physio in Liverpool and let’s get you moving again.

Book Appointment