Reframing musculoskeletal conditions as 'underuse injuries' rather than 'overuse' may better reflect inactivity as an underlying cause and avoid inappropriately discouraging exercise.
Promoting physical activity S ports medicine clinicians need to be leaders in the field of physical activity promotion. As such, we must avoid language that inappropriately discourages exercise. Articles on musculoskeletal injuries typically divide the causes into either ''acute'' or ''overuse''. Both of these terms implicate activity as the basis for the musculoskeletal pain. However, as we learn more about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of these injuries, it is clear that, in fact, inactivity may be the underlying cause of many of these conditions. ''Underuse injuries'' may be a more appropriate term to explain the aetiology of many conditions seen by those in the field of sports medicine.
Stovitz et al. (Wed,) conducted a editorial in Musculoskeletal injuries. Reframing terminology to 'underuse injuries' was evaluated. Reframing musculoskeletal conditions as 'underuse injuries' rather than 'overuse' may better reflect inactivity as an underlying cause and avoid inappropriately discouraging exercise.