Understanding Pain

Pain is common to most of us. It is something we all get used to from an early age. It does its job marvellously in teaching us instantly about the world to protect us from harm.

What It Means

Due to its very nature we tend to consider it as bad or something to be avoided. The feeling associated with exertion is something athletes get used to and often come to relish. It signifies to them that they are 'in the zone' and getting results. This is not altogether true and many athletes are addicted to the feeling associated with anaerobic exercise when the body has insufficient oxygen to work.

Different Types

The pain that I am discussing here is more to do with injury, whether that be very minor or severe. It is important to be able to differentiate between the different types. If you can learn to do this you will know when to rest or stop and when to push through an activity.

If you injure or hurt yourself it is likely that what you are feeling is is there to tell you that something is wrong. It should be heeded. Depending on the severity of the injury you may or may not be able to continue your activity.

The other type of pain I am talking about that associated with an injury that you know about. In other words it is not something undiagnosed. Let us say that this injury is recovering and it is over three weeks since you sustained it. Let us also say that no surgery has been necessary and there have been no broken bones. We will also assume that you have the go ahead from your medical practitioner to resume activity.

Healing Pain

It is likely that as you resume activities that you will get some sensation from the healed tissues. The new tissue is not going to be used to the activity and will send out signals as it is stretched and put under pressure. This is normal and will have to happen. As long as the activity is controlled and graded so as not to stress too much too soon the tissue will increase in strength and length.

As this occurs the signals cease and the area feels normal again. If, however, this feeling is respected so much that any activity that elicits such discomfort is avoided the tissue will not be rehabilitated. It is this type of sensation that needs to be felt and gradually worked against in a controlled manner.

Why It's Important

Understanding the difference between these different types of sensation is important and I hope you can see the point that I am attempting to make here. It is not about 'blind bravery'. That is foolish and there will likely be a price to pay for it. It is about knowing why you have a particular type of feeling and responding accordingly rather than just treating it all in the same way.

If you have pain from an injury visit our clinic for information on a multitude of conditions