5 Things Men Ignore (But Shouldn’t), According to a PT
November Is Men’s Health Month — And a Reminder That Strength Isn’t About Ignoring Pain
Movember isn’t just about growing a mustache — it’s about growing awareness. Each November, we’re reminded that real strength means taking care of your health, not brushing it aside. Too often, men push through stiffness, fatigue, or discomfort thinking it’s “normal” or “just part of getting older.” The truth? Those little aches and pains are your body’s early warning system.
Small issues can snowball into major problems when ignored — but the good news is, you can take control. Here are 5 common things men tend to ignore (but shouldn’t), according to a physical therapist.
1. Stiffness Isn’t Just Aging
That morning stiffness or post-workout tightness isn’t always “just getting older.” It’s often your body’s way of saying something is off.
Common Causes:
- Sedentary lifestyle or desk job
- Poor mobility and flexibility habits
- Muscle imbalances from repetitive movements
- Old injuries that never fully healed
Why It Matters:
Ignoring stiffness can reduce your range of motion, change your posture, and make you more prone to injuries. Over time, it can even impact how efficiently you move — from lifting weights to playing with your kids.
How PT Helps:
A physical therapist can identify what’s really causing your stiffness and build a tailored mobility program. Think: targeted stretching, joint mobilizations, and strength training that keeps you moving freely and pain-free.
2. Stress, Jaw Clenching, and TMJ Pain
Ever catch yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stressed? You’re not alone. Chronic tension in the jaw — often linked to stress or poor posture — can lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain.
How Stress and Posture Trigger It:
When stress hits, we tend to tighten our jaw and neck muscles. Combine that with hours spent hunching over a screen, and it’s a recipe for TMJ dysfunction.
Common Symptoms:
- Jaw pain or popping
- Headaches or ear pain
- Facial tightness
- Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully
Treatment:
Physical therapy for TMJ can relieve tension through manual therapy, relaxation techniques, and posture correction. Combine that with mindfulness or stress-reduction habits, and you’ll feel the difference fast.
3. Poor Posture and Back Pain
If you spend most of your day sitting — at a desk, in the car, or on the couch — poor posture might be behind that nagging back pain.
The Problem:
Over time, slouching or sitting for hours creates muscle imbalances. The hip flexors tighten, the glutes and core weaken, and the spine takes extra strain.
Signs You Might Notice:
- Tight lower back or neck
- Shoulder rounding
- Fatigue after sitting or standing
- Difficulty maintaining good posture
How PT Helps:
A physical therapist will assess your posture, mobility, and muscle strength, then create a plan to correct imbalances. This can include strengthening your core, opening tight hips, and retraining how you move — so your posture feels effortless again.
4. Knee Pain (That You Keep Ignoring)
You tweak your knee in a pickup game or feel that dull ache going upstairs — and figure it’ll just go away. But knee pain rarely disappears on its own.
Common Culprits:
- Overuse or repetitive strain
- Old sports injuries
- Weak glutes, quads, or hip stabilizers
- Poor movement mechanics
Why Waiting It Out Doesn’t Work:
Ignoring pain can cause compensation in your gait or movement, leading to hip or back issues later.
What Helps:
Targeted physical therapy can strengthen surrounding muscles, improve alignment, and even prevent the need for surgery. The goal isn’t just to fix your knee — it’s to make your entire lower body work better together.
5. Sleep and Recovery Matter More Than You Think
You can’t out-train poor recovery. Sleep is when your body repairs muscles, balances hormones, and restores energy — but it’s one of the most overlooked parts of men’s health.
Why It Matters:
- Poor sleep slows muscle recovery
- Disrupts testosterone and growth hormone production
- Increases risk of injury and burnout
PT and Lifestyle Strategies:
Physical therapists don’t just look at your muscles — they look at your habits. Incorporating relaxation techniques, movement routines, and sleep hygiene strategies can drastically improve your recovery and long-term health.
The Bottom Line
Ignoring pain isn’t strength — it’s postponing your potential. Whether it’s stiffness, posture issues, jaw pain, or that old knee injury, small steps today can prevent major problems tomorrow.
At Freedom PT, we help men move better, feel stronger, and live with more freedom.
👉 Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward feeling your best this Movember.