You’ve iced it. Rested it. Maybe even Googled stretches at 2am. But that nagging pain still flares every time you hit the gym, the court, or the trail.

At California Sports & Spine Institute, we see it all the time—active people trying to tough it out or wait it out. News flash: If ice and rest haven’t worked by now, they’re not going to. This isn’t just soreness. It’s your body asking for real help.

Here’s how to know it’s time to call in the pros:

1. The Pain Won’t Stay Gone

You rest for a week. It feels better. You try again—and boom, it’s back. That’s not normal. That’s your body telling you something deeper is wrong.

Recurring pain means the underlying injury hasn’t healed. Worse, every time it flares, you could be making it harder to fix. We’re here to break the cycle and target the real issue.

2. It’s Been Weeks. You’re Still Not Right.

If it’s been two, three, even four weeks and you’re still limping, guarding, or popping ibuprofen like candy, you need more than time.

At CSSI, we don’t guess. We diagnose. Whether it’s a small tendon tear, nerve involvement, or inflammation that’s flying under the radar, we’ll find it—and treat it at the source.

3. You’re Losing Strength or Range of Motion

Pain is frustrating. But weakness? That’s serious.

If you can’t grip, lift, squat, or reach the way you used to—or if something just feels “off”—it’s time to be evaluated. This isn’t just about getting out of pain. It’s about protecting your long-term performance.

4. You’ve Tried PT, But You’re Stuck

Physical therapy is powerful—when it’s part of the right plan. But if you’re plateauing, flaring up, or not progressing, it might be time to reassess.

Our team works with (or refers you to) the right PTs. We also offer advanced, non-surgical treatments like:

Ultrasound-guided injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Nerve and fascia release

Diagnostic imaging and movement analysis

No guesswork. Just data-driven recovery.

5. Someone Told You to “Just Stop Playing”

We’re not in the business of ending your athletic career. We’re in the business of getting you back to it.

So no—you don’t have to stop training, competing, or chasing your next personal best. You just need the right diagnosis, the right tools, and the right team.

Stop Waiting for Pain to Go Away. Start Getting Answers.

At California Sports & Spine Institute, we specialize in treating athletes and active people who don’t have time for “maybe it’ll go away.”

Arcadia. Glendale. Palmdale. Wherever you are—we’re here to help.

Call (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096 to book your consultation. Or schedule online.

Your sport. Your goals. Your recovery—done right.