To make progress in our fitness we have to push ourselves.  When we overload our muscles it hurts. However, mature athletes know it’s a bit more complicated than “no pain no gain.”

Last week I hurt myself during a workout, tweaked a pec doing some ballistic burpees.  I don’t remember it happening but I know that’s when it had to happen.  I knew it was more than soreness when it didn’t go away after a day or so.

Injuries are going to happen, especially if you train intensively.  Sooner or later you’re going to strain a muscle, twist an ankle, or take a tumble.

It’s critical to listen to your body.  We usually describe both situations as painful but it’s important to learn to tell the difference between soreness and a possible injury.  Pain from an injury is typically much more acute.  Soreness tends to be more general. In their book on strength training, The National Strength & Conditioning Association says “soreness is diffuse and broad based, while injuries tend to be local, or specific in nature. Pain that is felt in a localized area – for instance, on one side of the body or in only one muscle or joint – is indicative of injury rather than soreness.”

Unlike the pain that follows a hard workout, injury pain doesn’t go away after a few days or after warming up. Another difference is weakness. Even when muscles are sore it’s possible to push through soreness pain to accomplish a movement.  With an injury no amount of pushing helps.  In fact, further injury could result.  That’s why you have to be smart.

Because it can be hard to tell the difference it’s best to talk to someone about your pain if it has persisted for more than a couple of days.  A friend may have some good advice. A qualified personal trainer can be helpful as they will have more knowledge about anatomy and experience dealing with injuries. You might also consider talking to your family physician or a sports medicine specialist. Addressing an injury early will help prevent it from becoming a chronic issue.

An injury is frustrating. It’s easy to get discouraged. Try to maintain a long term perspective. Be safe and take care of your body. In the meantime, adapt your workouts to what you can do and keep going.

I’m going to see David, our massage therapist.

Tags: injuries, massage therapy, pain, soreness

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 9:47 am and is filed under Rob Hudson, injuries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.