The most common cause of pain (and the one almost everyone misses)

Read Time: 3 minutes

Hey there!

If I had to pick one thing that explains the majority of pain I see in the office, it wouldn’t be posture.
It wouldn’t be alignment.
And it wouldn’t even be mobility or strength.

It would be tissue quality.

This is the most common contributor to pain I see, and it’s also one most people never hear about.

Why this gets missed

Most healthcare conversations focus on bones, joints, imaging findings, and big structural explanations.

But pain doesn’t always come from a damaged joint.

Very often, it comes from overloaded soft tissue, muscles, tendons, and fascia that are being asked to do more than they can currently tolerate.

When that happens, the pain can feel deep, vague, and hard to localize.
People will often say:

In many cases, the joint itself is fine.
It’s the tissue around it that’s irritated, stiff, and overloaded.

Why this matters

Addressing tissue quality is often one of the fastest ways to reduce pain.

That’s why it’s used constantly in professional sports.

When an athlete is sore, tight, or limited, the first question usually isn’t:
“What medication do they need?”

It’s more often:
“What tissue is overloaded, and how do we calm it down so they can move better today?”

In that environment, getting someone moving better quickly actually matters.
For some reason, this approach is common in pro sports, but often overlooked in everyday healthcare.

How I approach tissue-related pain

When I’m addressing tissue quality, I follow a simple progression.

1. Find the tissue that recreates the pain
We look for specific areas that, when pressed, reproduce the familiar pain.

This tells us:

• The tissue is sensitive

• It’s likely overloaded

• It’s contributing to the symptoms

2. Use sustained pressure to help calm the tissue
This can include:

• Foam rolling

• A lacrosse ball

• Manual therapy

The key is steady, sustained pressure until the pain starts to decrease. Not aggressive digging.

This often:

• Reduces pain quickly

• Improves movement right away

• Helps the nervous system calm down

For many people, this alone brings noticeable relief.

3. Build the tissue back up
This is the step that creates lasting change.

After the tissue calms down, we don’t just leave it alone.
We gradually expose it to load, move through larger ranges of motion, and combine mobility with stability work.

Pain often shows up when demand exceeds capacity.
This step is how we rebuild that capacity.

Why this works so well

This approach does two important things.

Short-term relief
Irritated tissue is no longer being constantly stressed, so symptoms often calm down quickly.

Long-term resilience
Over time, the tissue becomes stronger, more tolerant, and less reactive.

That combination is why this strategy works so well and why it’s a staple in high-performance settings.

A quick boundary to keep in mind

Self-work, like foam rolling and mobility drills, can be helpful.

But knowing which tissue to work on, how much pressure to use, and what to do next is where most people get stuck.

That’s where a clear plan matters.

Want help applying this to your situation?

That's what my Clarity Calls are for.
A Clarity Call is a one-on-one conversation where we:

• Talk through what’s going on with your pain or movement

• Identify what’s likely driving it

• Outline a simple, realistic plan you can start using right away

Calls typically last about 30 minutes.

You’ll leave with 2–3 clear priorities to focus on, not a long list of exercises.

There’s no treatment and no pressure to continue.
The goal is clarity and a next step that makes sense for you.

These calls are best for people who feel stuck, unsure what to focus on, or tired of guessing.

👉 Learn More About Clarity Calls

As always, if pain persists, worsens, or feels unclear, it’s important to work with a qualified professional who can guide you appropriately.

Talk soon,

Dr. Matt Moreno, D.C., C.C.S.P.®
The Move More Minute

Disclaimer: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, chiropractor, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new exercise program.

The exercises and suggestions provided are general recommendations and may not be suitable for everyone. If you experience pain, discomfort, or any concerning symptoms while performing these exercises (such as numbness, dizziness, or increased pain), stop immediately and consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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