Use the Traffic Light System to Manage Pain and Load After an Injury

You're ready to move and return to your activities. How do you know what's good and bad pain? Use the traffic light system.

Although it may be uncomfortable, pain does not necessarily mean you have tissue damage. It can be unavoidable to not have any pain as you exercise and try to get back to your usual activities. Use the traffic light system to determine if the pain is okay to keep going, be cautious, or back off. Note your symptoms during and afterwards.

	Green Light	Yellow Light	Red Light
Pain	0-3/10	3-5/10	5-10/10
Recovery	<24 hrs	24-48 hrs	> 48 hrs
What does it mean	Continue. It's a tolerable load.	Proceed with caution. Careful not to add more.	It's too much load. Discontinue and modify accordingly

In conclusion, use the traffic light system to manage pain and load after an injury or while rehabbing an injury.