05/13/2026
5 PARTS TO EFFECTIVE GRADED ACTIVITY
Graded activity (in the context of painful movement) is the process of progressive re-introduction of movements known to be painful, using the right dose and timing, in a way that makes them less painful overtime. Here are some general tips to get started:
1. CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU ENJOY
It can be anything! Ask yourself: What am I doing less now because of my pain? Bonus points if this activity involves movement.
2. FIND YOUR STARTING POINT & SET BOUNDARIES.
The starting point is (ideally) the amount of the activity you can tolerate without pain getting worse. Now ‘worse’ is highly subjective, but you know your pain best. Sometimes it’s okay for pain to increase by some, as long as it fades away in a predictable and controllable manner. This is where setting boundaries is important. It’s all about LOCUS OF CONTROL. So in general: find an amount of the activity you can do (without pain increase) or set reasonable boundaries of pain increase, if necessary.
3. SET REALISTIC PROGRESSIONS.
Less is more! Remember, it likely took a long time for your body to adapt to its current state, so don’t rush things. It might be a helpful idea to make progressions on a weekly basis. For example: increase time by 1 min each week, or by 1 rep each week etc. Do not exceed your planned progression!
4. DON’T EXPECT RAINBOWS AND BUTTERFLIES.
If your nervous system is in a sensitized state (i.e. working overtime to protect you), it is likely that eventually you might have a ‘flare up.’ Remember: pain is multifactorial. Many things can set it off. It doesn’t mean you’re worse. Let things settle back down and get back on track. Mistakes are okay. You are human.
5. ENJOY THE PROCESS
Think about what this decision means! You are starting. You are making change. The process IS rehabilitation. The process NEVER stops.
I got your back.
Nick Hannah, aka MOVES
Health Coach
👨💻 Design & Creative Direction: .co
Ref. Butler D, Moseley L. Explain Pain. 2013.