Precautions prevent well-meant loading from becoming another flare cycle.
Lists below are typical teaching points — clinician protocols override them.
What programmes usually avoid
Ignoring red flags
Neurological, systemic or trauma flags are not “push through” moments.
Sudden volume spikes
Large jumps in sport, gripping or lifting volume often precede flares.
Pain as the only guide
Some programmes allow mild symptoms; none ignore escalating or night pain.
Skipping criterion tests
Calendar clearance without strength or hop/task tests raises re-injury risk in sport pathways.
Copying elite programmes
High-performance templates assume screening, recovery resources and baseline capacity most people lack.
When to stop and reassess
Sharp or radiating escalation
Stop the session and reassess technique, dose or diagnosis pathway.
Loss of bowel/bladder or saddle sensation
Emergency pathway — not a rehab tweak.
Unstable swelling after trauma
Rule out fracture or significant ligament injury before loading.
Systemic illness with joint pain
Infection and inflammatory disease need medical work-up.
Stopping is part of skilled rehab, not failure.
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