Why Stretching and Strength Training Don’t Fix Pain on Their Own STRETCHING AND STRENGTH TRAINING ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. They are essential tools — but they are often applied at the wrong time, to the wrong system, and in the wrong order. This is why many people feel temporary relief, get stronger, or move better for a while…  only for pain to return weeks or months later. WHY PAIN OFTEN IMPROVES — THEN COMES BACK Stretching reduces tension. Strength training improves tolerance