Strength vs Stability: Why Both Matter for Lasting Pain Relief

By Dr. Andrew Kakishita | Kinetic Chiropractic – Lehi, UT

When people think of physical fitness or injury recovery, “strength” is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But at Kinetic Chiropractic in Lehi, we often see patients who are strong, yet still struggle with pain, recurring injuries, or performance plateaus. The missing link? Stability.

Strength vs. Stability…What’s the Difference?

• Strength is your muscles’ ability to generate force. It’s what helps you lift weights, run faster, or push harder.
• Stability, on the other hand, is your body’s ability to control movement and keep joints steady during activity. It’s not about how much you can lift—it’s about how well your muscles coordinate to protect your body from unnecessary strain.

For example, someone might have strong quads from squatting, but if their hips and core can’t stabilize, their knees may still ache during runs or workouts.

Why Stability Matters for Pain and Injury

When stability is lacking, other muscles overcompensate. This often leads to:

• Chronic tightness in certain areas (like the low back or neck)
• Recurrent injuries (ankle sprains, shoulder pain, knee issues)
• “Heavy” or fatigued legs even when strength is present

At our Lehi chiropractic clinic, we frequently see patients who’ve built strength but haven’t trained stability. The result? Pain that lingers no matter how strong they get.

How Chiropractic and Shockwave Therapy Can Help

Chiropractic care helps restore proper joint motion, while Shockwave Therapy provides a powerful boost to healing soft tissues. Together, they reduce pain and inflammation so you can actually train stability without being held back by pain.

We also guide patients through corrective exercises that challenge the stabilizers—small but powerful muscles that keep joints moving smoothly. This approach doesn’t just make you stronger—it makes you more resilient.

Takeaway

Strength is important, but stability is what keeps your strength useful, safe, and pain-free. If you’re dealing with recurring injuries, muscle tightness, or fatigue despite working out, it may be time to look beyond strength training and focus on stability.

📍 Kinetic Chiropractic offers expert care in Lehi, including Shockwave Therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and rehab exercises to keep you moving well.