Misinterpreting Pain When Running
Posted on 29th April 2024 at 10:01
By Carl Green
As runners, we're no strangers to discomfort. Whether it's the burn in our muscles pushing up a hill or the dull ache that follows a long training session, pain is an inherent part of the running experience.
With the physical challenges of running it's crucial to identify normal discomfort and warning signs that warrant attention. In this post, we'll discuss the complexities of pain, explore its significance in running, and provide guidance on how to respond when your body speaks to you.
The Significance of Pain: Listening to Your Body's Signals
Pain serves as our body's alarm system, alerting us to actual or potential threats to tissue health. While you can expect some degree of discomfort during and after training, it's essential to recognize when pain strays from normal.
Ignoring sharp, sudden pains or worsening lingering discomfort can have detrimental effects on both our physical and mental well-being.
The Problem: Ignoring the Warning Signs
When pursuing your running goals, it's all too easy to dismiss pain as an inconvenience or push through discomfort for progression. Doing so can have far-reaching consequences, including heightened neural sensitivity and tissue damage.
By ignoring the warning signs from our bodies, we risk worsening our injuries and prolonging recovery times.
The Solution: Listening and Responding Appropriately
When it comes to pain, the solution lies in listening to our bodies and properly responding to the signals provided. If you experience pain while running, it's crucial to reduce the demands of the activity or, if necessary, stop and rest.
By heeding the warning signs early on, we can often prevent minor issues from escalating into bigger problems.
Seeking Professional Help: Empowering Your Recovery Journey
Some instances of pain may resolve with rest and self-care. Persistent or worsening discomfort should prompt a closer examination by a healthcare professional. Seeking timely professional help is essential, as most problems are easier and faster to treat in the early stages.
At Colchester Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, our team of experienced practitioners is here to provide expert guidance and support. We can help you navigate your recovery journey with confidence and peace of mind.
Our Approach: Holistic Care and Personalized Solutions
management and injury rehabilitation. Our personalised treatment plans address the unique needs and goals of each individual. These treatment plans encompass a range of evidence-based techniques and modalities. A few of our treatments include manual therapy and exercise prescription to injury prevention strategies and ergonomic advice.
We're committed to empowering you on your path to recovery and long-term running success.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Pain Management Journey
In running, pain is a companion and a messenger, guiding us towards optimal performance and well-being. By listening to our bodies and responding to the signals, we can minimise the risk of injury to ensure a fulfilling, sustainable running experience.
Remember, pain is not something to fear or ignore but rather an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery. If you're experiencing pain while running, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way, empowering you to overcome obstacles and achieve your running aspirations with confidence and resilience.
What’s next?
The next post in this “Running Success Series” I will cover “The Importance of Strength and Conditioning Training for Runners: Building Resilience for Success”.
As always please get in touch with us at Colchester Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic if you have any training, health or injury needs. We can support you in your running progress, or life in general.
Author
Carl Green
Carl is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Sports Science and Human Biology graduate, former Lecturer in Sport and Exercise, Personal Trainer, and Sports Massage Therapist.
He has worked as a Physio within the NHS at a senior level, sports injury clinics, his own practice, stroke rehabilitation, occupational health and chronic pain. Carl also has first hand experience of acute and chronic injuries, pain, surgery, and disability, giving him a deeper understanding how these can affect us both physically and psychologically.
He started his career in health and fitness in 2002. Empowering people to achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and reduce future problems through lifestyle/behaviour change and exercise has continued to be a big part of his approach as a Physio.
Carl has tried many sports, but mainly focused on rugby, gym training, running (5k to half marathon), and Muay Thai Boxing. He also enjoys snowboarding, home gym training, teaching his dog tricks and playing fetch, covering songs on his guitar, and has recently taken up archery.
Share this post:
