Why “Dr. Google” (and Even AI) Isn’t Always the Best for Musculoskeletal Pain

March 8, 2025

In today’s digital world, we have information at our fingertips 24/7. If you have a question—about anything—chances are, Google (or AI) has an answer. While this can be helpful in many areas of life, when it comes to musculoskeletal pain, relying on “Dr. Google” (or even AI) isn’t always the best idea.

The Problem with Generic Advice

Pain is complex. Even when two people have the same issue—let’s say, knee pain while running—the underlying causes can be entirely different. One person might have weakness in their hip muscles, while another has restricted ankle mobility. The right treatment for one won’t necessarily work for the other.

Many online articles, forums, and AI-generated responses give generalized advice, often based on what works for the majority. But pain is not one-size-fits-all, and blindly following generic recommendations can sometimes lead to frustration—or worse, make things worse.

Why Comparing Notes with a Friend Isn’t Always Helpful

It’s natural to ask friends or family members for advice, especially if they’ve had a similar issue. But just like online information, what worked for them may not be what you need. Every individual has different movement patterns, strengths, weaknesses, and past injuries. Even something as common as “shoulder pain” can stem from vastly different underlying problems in two different people.

The Value of a Personalized Approach

There’s nothing wrong with educating yourself. In fact, I encourage it (that’s why we write these articles)! The more you understand your body, the better questions you can ask your provider. But education should supplement—not replace—an expert evaluation in time of need.

At New Life Physical Therapy, we take the time to assess your movement patterns, history, and individual needs to get to the root cause of your issue. If your pain is lingering, worsening, or interfering with your daily life, it’s time to move beyond Google searches and into a personalized, one-on-one consultation with a New Life PT expert.

Not Sure If You Need an Evaluation?

If you’ve been struggling with pain that isn’t improving with time, stretching, or general exercises you’ve found online, it may be a sign that you need a more targeted approach. We offer formal physical therapy evaluations to dive deep into your problem. Not sure if we can help? Schedule a consultation with one of our expert physical therapists at New Life Physical Therapy—we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and get back to the activities you love.