S1E146: Is it safe to exercise with joint pain? An orthopaedic surgeon explains

Feb 9, 2026

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Resting too much can weaken muscles, worsening joint pain in the long run, says an expert.

Synopsis: Every month, The Straits Times helps you make sense of health matters that affect you.

Problems affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons are the leading contributor of disability among all ages worldwide.

These problems arising from musculoskeletal disorders comprise diverse conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues, which may result in pain and loss of function.

The disorders, which include conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, low back pain, and other degenerative conditions, are especially common in older adults.

However, they are not an inevitable part of aging.

In this episode, ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo talks to surgeon-scientist, Assistant Professor Bryan Tan to find out more about what one can do to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

They touched on strength training, what one can do about exercise after a flare of knee osteoarthritis, and not waiting till there is no pain to resume exercising.

Prof Tan is an orthopaedic surgeon at Woodlands Hospital, and the co-chair of the musculoskeletal integrated care work group at NHG Health.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:48 What are musculoskeletal conditions?

6:55 It’s never too late to build your muscles and bones

8:45 The more you don’t use your muscles, the weaker they will become

18:21 Hyrox or not, everyone should be engaging in physical activity

20:27 How to get back to your exercise routine after a flare of your knee osteoarthritis?

Read Joyce Teo's stories: https://str.sg/JbxN

Host: Joyce Teo (joyceteo@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong

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