always comes back. If the pain increases during exercise, doesn’t
ease afterwards and is worse at night, then the problem requires
further attention.
Inflammation in a tendon is called tendonitis, and if not seen
early, can develop into a ‘tendinopathy’, where the tendon weakens
significantly. Rest relieves the pain only temporarily and over time
actually makes the injury worse, because the client is getting weaker.
It is essential that the pain is addressed before it gets to this stage
and becomes a chronic recurring condition. Inflammatory pain is
usually tackled with anti-inflammatory medication, but sometimes
that’s it. The reason for the inflammation occurring during exercise
also needs to be established, and remedied.
When it really is an injury, what next?
Most people know when they have suffered a significant training or
sports injury. It’s immediate and it hurts a lot. If the injury pain is
severe, your client cannot move an arm or leg, and they immediately
have a large amount of swelling, they should seek professional
advice straight away as they may also need medications and X-rays
or scans.
Unless they happen to be a professional athlete, your client will not
happen to have a physio or doctor there by their side when they need
them the most! Many people roll their ankle, have it swell up and think
it’s just a sprain, only to find out it’s a fracture after hobbling around
on it for four days. For acute sprains and strains, the best treatment
is still the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for the
first 24-48 hours. The ice element of this should be done for around
30 minutes every two to three hours, and the best compression is a
double layer tubular bandage.
Your clients should enjoy their workouts and, while being
conscious to train safely, shouldn’t be paranoid about injuring
themselves. If they do experience any pain during and after exercise,
It is essential that the pain is addressed
before it gets to this stage and becomes
a chronic recurring condition
however, they should take note of when and
where it occurs in the body and be aware of
its duration, as well as potential triggers or
recurrence. As their trainer, you must ensure
that their training program is both safe
and appropriate for their level, and in the
incidence of suspected injury, refer them to
an allied health professional to seek advice
as needed.
Tim Keeley, B.Phty, Cred.MDT, APAM
With over 20 years’
experience in physiotherapy
and the fitness industry, Tim
is Principal Physiotherapist
and Director of Physio
Fitness, a clinic based in
Sydney’s Bondi Junction. An
internationally credentialed McKenzie Credentialed
Spinal Physiotherapist, he specialises in sports,
fitness and training injuries.
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