We’ve all heard the phrase “no pain, no gain.” But is that really true? Is there such a thing as good pain, and when should we feel it? “Good” pain is a part of the muscle strengthening process. Following a challenging workout, there is a normal teardown process that occurs in the muscles. As the muscles rebuild and repair themselves, they become bigger and stronger. The pain/soreness from that is normal and usually felt about 12 to 72 hours after the workout in the muscle belly, typically on both sides of the body.
There is a point, however, where this process can turn into “bad” pain. Overuse injuries occur when this muscle teardown process happens without ample recovery time. “Bad” pain can also stem from poor form or posture, injuries, or a cause that is more significant. There is no bone or joint pain that is considered “good” pain so when your joints are achy or painful, don’t brush it off as normal. The key is to know that all pain is the body’s way of telling us something is going on, whether in a positive or negative way.
So is the phrase “no pain, no gain” accurate? If you know how to read your body correctly, it can be. If you have any questions about pain or a certain injury, you need to ask a healthcare provider. There is always a reason for pain. We just need to determine what is causing it and how to fix it so give Harlow Chiropractic a call to schedule an appointment to discuss what may be causing your pain.
