IndianaPT - Tip of the Week

Be sure to distinguish between “work-out pain” and “injury-pain” as early as possible.

• Minor injuries due to poor technique or inappropriate resistance (“too much weight”) can easily become major injuries that limit work-outs or prevent participation in events or games if they are not addressed early.

• Identify when you have the pain (during or after exercise) and decide if it is due to “work-out” soreness and muscle rebuilding or if it is due to a more serious problem.

• If the pain is sharp or dysfunctional (i.e. causes you to limp or inhibits normal, daily tasks), then you need to modify work-outs to avoid aggravating the symptoms.

• You should also use ice to prevent dysfunctional inflammation.

• If modification and ice do not help within a relatively short period of time (1-2 weeks), then you should have a sports medicine medical professional assess your condition to prevent a long-term problem.