Simple pain rules for clients
For all clients, but in particular those who like to push very hard, those
who have a high pain tolerance and those who may be uncertain how
hard they are supposed to push, it can be helpful to provide a few
guidelines about what is considered safe to work through and what to
avoid in their own training.
There will always be exceptions, and accidents do happen, but in
order to keep clients training as safely as possible, especially during
their own training when you are not with them, it helps to have some
rules. Generally, movement that causes a 'stabbing' pain or pain that
is clearly not muscular should be branded as off limits. Pain above a 5
on the scale mentioned above should also be discouraged for general
population clients, as above a certain threshold they may struggle
to pay attention to their form, which can lead to more serious injury.
When you set these guidelines, remind clients to let you know if they
ever do experience these undesirable types of pain, so that you can
investigate together what might have occurred when they experienced
it, check whether it was a one-off occurrence or whether there are
ongoing symptoms, and figure out how to resolve it.
Your goal as a trainer should always be to assist your clients to
work hard and smart, to enjoy their training sessions while always
remaining safe. Having a solid system to manage situations when
pain is experienced, both in your presence and your absence, will
help you achieve this.
Third, be clear – especially with exercise newbies – with what
you are asking regarding the quality of the pain. Avoid terms such
as ‘sharp’ or ‘dull’, as these can be mistaken with intensity in some
cases; instead you could ask if it feels like a stabbing or a burning
sensation.
Fourth, find out whether the pain is constant, pulsating, or only
experienced through certain movements or positions. This, together
with the behaviour of your client, can help you understand what they
are experiencing and therefore help piece together what may be
going on internally. A calm comment about something not feeling
quite right is less serious than if your client becomes unable to touch
or put weight on a certain body part, which in turn is less serious than
if your client looks pale or presents with other signs or symptoms of
very high levels of pain. Observe, collect information and remember
that you are not always going to have all of the answers.
Know when to refer
There will be scenarios in which you are simply unable to figure out what
is going on and will need the assistance of an allied health professional
to resolve the situation. As personal trainers we are required by law to
remain within our scope of practice and there are serious consequences
for failing to do so. Your client’s safety is paramount and unless you are
absolutely certain that the situation is resolved through a change that
falls within your scope of practice, such as a form correction to stop a
joint from hurting, and there is no underlying injury or issue that requires
further assistance, then it is your responsibility to refer the client to
somebody who is able to assist further, such as a physiotherapist.
Susy Natal is a Sydney-based performance coach, widely published wellness
writer, convention presenter and personal trainer. With a background in
psychology, her integrated approach to training helps clients achieve strength
of body and mind. With a major focus on strength training for females and on
mindset coaching, Susy works with clients ranging from beginners through to
athletes. Visit susynatal.com and follow her on Instagram HERE.
LISTEN UP!
Click HERE to listen to Susy Natal talk
about strength training females of every life
stage, rigidity of thinking, and assessing
physical and mental suitability for the
demanding realities of body comps, with
The Fitness Industry Podcast, powered by
Australian Fitness Network.
Click HERE to listen to physio Thuy Bridges
chat with The Fitness Industry Podcast
about PTs performing orthopaedic tests on
clients, back pain, how the internal organs
affect the musculoskeletal system, and the
complexity of pain.
NETWORK SUMMER 2018 | 43