How to Tell If Your Pain is Muscle, Joint, or Nerve

Pain is a remarkably unhelpful communicator. It tells you something’s wrong but never explains what or why. One day it’s a dull ache, the next it’s sharp, shooting, or somehow everywhere at once. And while online searches might suggest everything from dehydration to disaster, the reality is that pain is complex and needs an expert to interpret it properly.

At Cairnhill Physio, our job is to decode the mystery. Whether it’s muscle tension, joint irritation, or nerve involvement, each type of pain has its own personality, its own tell-tale signs, and its own best course of treatment. Understanding which one you’re dealing with can make all the difference in how quickly you recover and how long relief lasts.

 

Understanding Muscle Pain

Muscle pain, often called myalgia, is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy. It usually appears after you’ve pushed your body a little harder than usual, held a poor posture for too long, or carried tension from stress. The sensation is typically dull, sore, or tight, and it tends to spread rather than stay in one spot.

A key sign of muscle pain is that it feels tender when pressed and may ease with movement once you get going. It often worsens when you use the affected muscle too much, then settles with rest, warmth, or gentle stretching. It can also arrive a day or two after exercise or other physical activity, which is why that “day after” stiffness from exercise is such a familiar experience.

In most cases, muscle pain is harmless and temporary. However, pain that lingers for weeks, limits your movement, or is paired with swelling or weakness may signal a more significant strain or tear. That is when it’s best to get it checked by a physiotherapist rather than waiting it out.

 

Which Physiotherapy Service do We Recommend for Muscle Pain? 

One of our most popular services for muscle pain is massage. While quite a few of our clients might have tried a typical relaxation massage, a massage for physiotherapy is a lot more intentional and targeted to address specific injury and pain, in line with your personal goals. For example, many athletes opt for a sports massage in order to improve flexibility and reduce inflammation after an injury. 

 

Spotting Joint Pain

Joint pain, known as arthralgia, often feels quite different from muscle discomfort. Rather than spreading across a large area, it tends to be centred around one point, such as the knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle. The sensation can range from a dull ache to a deep, throbbing pain that makes even small movements feel awkward or stiff.

A common sign of joint pain is stiffness, particularly after rest or first thing in the morning. Many people notice it eases as they start moving, only to return later in the day if the joint becomes irritated again. Swelling, warmth, or a feeling that the joint is “catching” or “grinding” can also appear, depending on the cause.

Joint pain can come from a variety of sources, including arthritis, injury, overuse, or even muscle weakness that places extra pressure on the joint. The pattern of your symptoms often helps identify the cause. Pain that improves with movement may indicate stiffness, while pain that worsens as activity continues can suggest inflammation.

 

Which Physiotherapy Service do We Recommend for Joint Pain? 

One of our most effective services for joint pain is guided exercise therapy. While stretching or strength work can seem straightforward, doing it without proper guidance can sometimes aggravate the joint further. At Cairnhill Physio, our physiotherapists design and supervise each movement to build strength safely, improve mobility, and protect surrounding tissues. This tailored approach helps restore smooth, confident movement without the risk of overloading or straining the joint.

 

Recognising Nerve Pain

Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, has its own unique and unmistakable character. It can feel sharp, burning, or electric, often travelling along a clear path rather than staying in one place. For example, irritation in the lower back can cause pain, tingling, or numbness that runs down the leg, while a problem in the neck might create similar sensations in the arm or hand.

Unlike muscle or joint pain, nerve pain can appear suddenly and may not settle with rest. Some people describe it as shooting or radiating, while others feel pins and needles, weakness, or a strange sensitivity to touch or temperature. The discomfort may come and go, but it usually follows the route of the affected nerve.

Nerve pain often develops when a nerve becomes compressed, stretched, or inflamed. This can happen after injury, repetitive strain, or postural habits that place ongoing pressure on certain areas. Because nerves are involved in both movement and sensation, even a small irritation can have a surprisingly wide effect.

 

Which Physiotherapy Service do We Recommend for Nerve Pain? 

One of our key treatments for nerve pain is acupuncture. It works by calming irritated nerves, relaxing tight muscles, and improving local circulation to support healing. When performed by a qualified physiotherapist, acupuncture can reduce pain intensity and restore normal movement without overstimulating sensitive areas. It’s a gentle yet effective way to ease nerve-related pain and help the body recover naturally.

 

How Physiotherapy Helps Diagnose and Treat Pain

When you’re unsure what’s causing your pain, physiotherapy is the logical first step. At Cairnhill Physio, we combine expert assessment with targeted treatment to identify the root cause, whether it’s muscular, joint-related, or nerve-based, and create a clear path to recovery.

Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive Assessment: We begin with a detailed consultation covering your history, lifestyle, and symptoms. Physical testing follows to identify which tissues are affected and how your body moves in response to pain.
• Movement and Postural Analysis: Subtle imbalances often reveal where the problem truly lies. We assess your movement patterns, posture, and muscle activation to find underlying weaknesses or compensations.
• Personalised Treatment Planning: Everybody is different. Once we’ve identified the source of pain, we design a tailored plan that blends hands-on therapy, exercise, and education to restore comfort and function.
• Education and Prevention: Knowing why your pain started helps you stop it from returning. We teach you simple, effective strategies for posture, mobility, and daily movement so recovery lasts.

 

Ready to Understand Your Pain?

Whether your pain comes from a muscle, joint, or nerve, guessing rarely helps. Getting the right diagnosis does. At Cairnhill Physio, our experienced team pinpoints the true cause of your discomfort and builds a plan that restores confidence and pain-free movement.

Don’t wait for it to get worse. Book your assessment today, and let’s get you moving comfortably again.

 

Muscle, Joint, and Nerve Pain FAQs 

 

Is Physiotherapy better for Muscle or Nerve Pain? 

It depends on what’s causing the issue. Physiotherapy helps with both, but different treatments suit different types of pain. Massage tends to be most effective for muscle pain, while acupuncture is often better for calming nerve irritation.

Can I exercise instead of going to physiotherapy? 

Exercise can definitely help, but only if it’s the right kind. Without knowing the true cause of your pain, you might end up making it worse. A physiotherapist ensures every movement supports healing rather than straining the area further.

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?

No referral is needed. You can book directly with Cairnhill Physio, and our team will assess your symptoms, determine what’s causing the pain, and guide you through the most effective treatment options.

When should I see a physio about my pain?

If the pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, is getting worse, or limits your daily movement, it’s worth booking an assessment. Early treatment makes recovery faster and helps prevent ongoing issues.