There is good pain and bad pain, and in most cases, your body knows the difference. While it is normal to feel some tightness and soreness after exercise, especially if you’re just beginning a new regimen or exercising a new part of your body, severe or lasting pain is always a warning that something is wrong.
If you think you may have done some real damage during the course of trying to improve your health and fitness, you’re not alone. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we often treat patients who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries not only during competitive sports but while doing solitary exercise. If you have come away from a workout (or even a long walk) feeling a pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away after a few days of RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), it’s time to check with a knowledgeable professional in order to avoid further damage.
Why LI Spine Rehabilitation Medicine Is the Right Place to Call
Over our years in practice, we have developed a strong following of patients who know that they can turn to us for pain relief and restored mobility. With five convenient offices and an option for same-day appointments, our practice provides the skill and individualized care both athletes and those who maintain their health through exercise are looking for. Contact us now for an accurate diagnosis and a range of highly effective traditional and complementary treatments — all of them nonsurgical.
Normal Pain After Exercise and How to Keep It Within Reasonable Limits
Experiencing some aches, stiffness, or soreness within a few days after exercise is expected and may be a sign that you’re strengthening your muscles and working your core. The following are tips to help you minimize post-exercise pain and get back to your normal routine:
- Prepare for exercise with warm-up stretches and engage in cool-down exercises afterward
- Make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing and supportive shoes
- Vary your exercise so that you don’t put repeated stress on the same joints (e.g. switching between running and swimming)
- When you become aware of increased pain, lessen the length, frequency, and/or intensity of your workouts to get back on course
Danger Signs That You May Require a Medical Consult
According to the CDC, if you experience any of the following, it is time to be checked by a doctor. Make an appointment with one of our physiatrists (pain and dysfunction specialists) if you feel:
- Pain that is sharp, stabbing, and constant
- Pain that impairs your mobility or range of motion (e.g. causes you to limp)
- Pain that is intense and lasts more than 2 hours after exercise or interferes with sleep
- Pain or swelling not eased by home remedies, such as ice or over-the-counter painkillers
- Increasing swelling and redness at an affected joint
Some of the time, you know for certain that you need medical attention, but there is a wide range of pain tolerance, even within families. Be aware of your pain tolerance level and consider it when evaluating whether you need a doctor’s assessment. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.
Common Workout Injuries Include:
- Bursitis
- Muscle strain
- Sprained ankle
- Wrist sprain or dislocation
- Shoulder dislocation, subluxation, or rotator cuff tear
- Knee injuries, such as meniscal tears, runner’s knee
- Stress fractures
- Shin splints
- Tendonitis
If you have suffered an injury that is interfering with your exercise plans or your everyday life, it’s time to get in touch with our talented doctors.
Contact Our Experienced Physiatrists Today
Our team of trained professionals has cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to make sure we identify the precise nature of your exercise injury. We also have a full spectrum of treatments, ranging from physical therapy to acupuncture and from therapeutic injections to platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), and will customize a treatment program to meet your specific needs.
In addition, we will also show you effective ways to ready your body for exercise in order to avoid future injuries. Contact us so we can make you comfortable now and help you maintain your healthy lifestyle.