Can you expand or internalize on the theory that if a pain (typically from endurance or resistance training) is on a person’s body the origin is typically on a part of the limb that is either lower or higher and tell me who said it (I remember hearing it on a podcast episode of the HubermanLab about physical health and training, possibly featuring Andy Galping or Jeff Cavaliere)?

The theory in question was discussed by Andrew Huberman and Andy Galpin in an episode of the Huberman Lab. Andy Galpin explained that low-level movement could be more effective at reducing acute soreness compared to stretching. He suggested that low-level muscle contractions help pump out fluid and alleviate soreness by moving it out of the cell. This principle is often seen in practices like doing light cardio or other low-impact exercises after intense resistance training, which can alleviate muscle soreness more effectively than rest alone due to enhanced fluid movement and reduced pressure on nerve endings 1.

Moreover, Andy Galpin discussed the potential inflammatory signals coming from free radicals released from mitochondria during oxidative metabolism, which might contribute to muscle soreness. The combination of mechanical tension and free radicals can lead to muscle damage and subsequent soreness. Low-level exercises and modalities like pneumatic boots or percussion instruments help by moving edema out, thus reducing muscle spindle activation and pain signals, even without immediate tissue regeneration 1.

The concept of articular or joint pain originating from other parts of the limb was discussed by Jeff Cavaliere on the Huberman Lab. Andrew Huberman interviewed Jeff Cavaliere who explained how upper limb issues, like limitations in shoulder rotation, can lead to compensatory mechanisms that cause pain in lower or higher parts of the arm. For example, if a pitcher can't externally rotate their shoulder sufficiently, the elbow might compensate for the lack of movement, potentially leading to stress and pain in the elbow ligaments. This compensation can cause pain to move from the shoulder to the elbow, highlighting how issues in one part of a limb can lead to symptoms elsewhere 1.