When it comes to joint pain, many people automatically think of rest.
Taking a break, not forcing anything, giving the body time.
But did you know that with chronic pain, rest often actually backfires?
With issues like osteoarthritis, rheumatism, or stiffness in the joints, rest isn’t always the best solution. In fact, light movement usually helps more than doing nothing. And you can do it safely and calmly, at your own pace, with the MotiMove app.
Why do we think rest is always good?
For an injury or bruise, rest is often the right choice. Your body needs to recover. But with chronic joint pain like osteoarthritis, there’s no “fresh damage.” The pain is real, but it doesn’t mean you’re damaging something by moving.
Many people are afraid of making it worse. That fear is understandable, but often unnecessary.
Too much rest actually makes joints stiffer.
Muscles become weaker, giving joints less support.
Your fitness declines, and moving becomes increasingly difficult.
This creates a vicious cycle of pain → rest → less movement → more pain.
What happens when you do move?
Regular movement, even with pain, has many benefits:
Your joints become more flexible
Muscles get stronger
You feel more energetic
You gain more confidence in your body
According to the Dutch Arthritis Foundation and the RIVM, moderate-intensity movement (such as walking, cycling, or gentle exercises) helps reduce joint pain and improves functioning.
So you don’t have to be an athlete. Just 5 to 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
“But doesn’t moving hurt?”
It can. And that’s okay.
Movement may hurt a little, as long as the pain doesn’t radiate, linger as a dull ache, or get worse afterward.
Tip: do you feel tension or fear when moving? Start small. One exercise. One minute. Your body will get used to it—and so will you.
What’s better than rest?
Instead of sitting completely still, choose:
Light, controlled exercises
Short walks spread throughout the day
Stretching when you feel stiff (e.g., in the morning)
Exercises targeting the joint that’s bothering you
That’s why an app like MotiMove is so valuable—you get exactly the exercises that fit your situation.
MotiMove: the movement app for people with pain
MotiMove was developed in collaboration with physiotherapists and pain experts.
The app is designed specifically for people with chronic joint pain such as:
- Osteoarthritis in the knee or hip
- Lower back or shoulder pain
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest
- Rheumatic complaints
With MotiMove you get:
Tailored exercises, aligned with your pain
Statistics to track your progress
Daily insights about pain and recovery
Everything in one safe, easy-to-use app