No Pain No Gain

Is The Expression "No Pain, No Gain" True?

Participating in athletics while injured is a very complicated question. The first part of the answer to determine if the athlete is injured or suffering from "normal" soreness associated with athletic competition. If an Athletic Trainer is available have him/her evaluate the problem to determine the extent of the injury. If an Athletic Trainer is not available and you have questions, consult your team physician.

Once the extent of the injury is established, a treatment plan can begin to return the athlete to competition in a safe and speedy manner. The treatment plan should consider the extent of the injury, the players desire to compete, the sport that the athlete is participating in,the coach, and the parents of the injured athlete. All of these factors will determine how soon the athlete will be able to compete.

The original intent of the phrase was geared at strength training and rehabilitation. When rehabilitating an injury, some pain is acceptable, others not. Again, one must determine whether the athlete is feeling true pain or discomfort. Pain due to the injury is a reason to decrease the intensity of the workout. Discomfort due to muscles working or swelling is not a reason to decrease the intensity of the workouts. There is a very big difference between pain and discomfort.

Participating with injuries can do one of two things; increase pain and/or worsen the injury. With many injuries participation in practice and games is not contraindicated. The bottom-line question is "will participation worsen the injury?" If the answer is no, then many most times will allow the athlete to return to competition.

If participation increases the pain level but does not worsen the injury, practice and competitions time should be changed relative to the effectiveness of the individual player. That is, if the player's pain level begins to make performance a negative for the team, reduce practice time or intensity. Have the player "walk through" practice and plays rather than going "full speed." This is a good alternative as the player will still be involved and not miss any changes in strategy that occur.

The decision whether to play or not is based on a case-by-case evaluation. Keep in mind that because "Player A" can play with an ankle sprain "Player B" may not be able to. This is the reason that the coach, Athletic Trainer, parents, and Team Physician must communicate openly about the injury and any associated risks.

There is one restriction that rules all well intentioned coaches, Athletic Trainers, and Sports Medicine Physicians; that is Mom and Dad. If the parents do not want their athlete to return then they should not participate. Whether their intentions and concerns are misplaced is not a factor. We, as professionals, must give them all the relevant information on why their son/daughter can still play while injured, but they are the ultimate responsible party.

Information on this site is not a substitute for physician directed care.

Please consult your personal physician for more detailed information

concerning specific injuries or illnesses.

Last Update for AthleticAdvisor.com: 06/04/2006 12:01:52 PM