Playing through Pain

 
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Playing through Pain

Good idea or bone-headed move

Pain versus Soreness
Pain and soreness are a part of playing sports and exercising. But there’s a big difference between the two. Soreness refers to the muscular discomfort you feel after exercising, usually you feel it the following 2 days. Then it disappears.

Pain, by contrast, happens as a result of sudden impact, twisting, falling, any force that causes your joint out of it’s normal position, hyper-extension, and severe torque. Pain can also be a result of overuse or repetitive movements. Pain can be acute or chronic (see Acute and Chronic Pain).

The #1 Rule to Follow
Never play through pain! It is a bone-headed move, indeed. After all, you’re not playing for Vince Lombardi. Pain is your body’s way of saying “something’s wrong” (see Sprains, Strains and Tears). If you continue the activity, it can only get worse.

Doctors, trainers, and most coaches now know that playing through a sports injury can cause damage that keeps you from playing much longer than if you would have stopped and gotten treatment. Playing through injury-induced pain can lead to surgery, and a lengthy recovery time. It may even end your sports activities entirely – as is the case for some professional athletes.