Is all pain bad?
This is the second in our blog series surrounding pain management. We are a group of health professionals including Physios, Massage Therapists and Personal Trainers wanting to answer your common questions on pain and dispel any myths surrounding pain and exercise.
Something we are asked on a daily basis: Is all pain bad?
Not all pain is created equal. Understanding the different types of pain is crucial for managing it effectively. Pain can generally be categorized into two types: ache and sharp pain.
An ache, often described as a dull or throbbing sensation, can usually be worked through. We use a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), a scale from 0-10 with 0 being no pain and 10 being the most excruciating pain you've ever felt. Experiencing a pain sensation of up to 5 or 6 on the VAS is safe to work into and often indicates that your body is adjusting to new activities or recovering from exercise. Continuing to move within this pain range can be beneficial, as it encourages adaptation and recovery.
Sharp pain, on the other hand, is a signal that something might be wrong. If you experience a stabbing or intense pain, it's best to stop the activity causing it and seek professional advice. A sharp pain can indicate that we've taken your exercise/activity too far which may cause further harm or injury which would require rest and possibly medical intervention.
At Back2Front, we emphasize the importance of listening to your body. Our team can help you differentiate between types of pain and guide you on how to manage them effectively with a progressive programme of exercise.
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Want to know how to use this knowledge to reduce pain? Discover the concept of optimal loading in next week's blog.
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