Now on the flip side of this question, we do know that strength exercises can often be helpful for pain.
But the specific reason they’re helpful is probably more complex than the fact that they improve one’s ability to produce force (i.e., they make them less weak).
Think about it: there’s so much more going on when we strength train than simply *strengthening*.
For example, strength work can positively affect systemic chronic inflammation, which may improve how someone feels.
Strength training can also increase confidence and trust in the robustness of one’s body, which can reduce pain perception.
There are an abundance of possible mechanisms by which strength work could help with pain, and specifically reducing weakness is just one possibility.
