Embracing the Pain: Why Sometimes You Need More of "What Hurt You"

In the world of competitive athletics, injuries are often viewed as setbacks, obstacles to be overcome on the road to success. But what if, in some cases, the key to overcoming that setback lies not in rest and avoidance, but in facing the pain head-on?

Recently, we had the opportunity to work with an Elite Level CrossFit athlete who found herself sidelined by her third calf pull while training for Semifinals. Faced with less than three weeks until the competition that could determine her advancement to the CrossFit Games, she was in a race against time to heal.

Previous clinicians had focused on treating her symptoms and prescribed basic exercises like calf raises to be done a few times a week. But as the competition drew nearer and her injury persisted, it became clear that a different approach was needed.

As performance clinicians, we understand the delicate balance required when dosing exercises. In this athlete's case, the solution wasn't less activity—it was more. Recognizing that the calf is an endurance muscle, we devised a plan that included increased volume of calf raises and targeted exercises to challenge her ankle in weak positions.

Rather than prescribing rest and hoping for the best, we provided her with a structured program, pushing her to the limits of her abilities while carefully monitoring her progress. And the results were remarkable.

Within six days, she went from sidelined and in pain to completing 400 double-unders in a workout with no discomfort. It was a testament to the power of targeted exercise and strategic intervention.

This story serves as a reminder that sometimes, the solution to our pain lies in confronting it head-on.

Too often, we're told to rest and wait for things to improve on their own. But if you're not working with someone who understands the demands of performance, you could be prolonging your pain and sacrificing your fitness in the process.

At our clinic, we believe in providing thoughtful, individualized plans tailored to each athlete's goals and needs. Rest alone is rarely the answer. Instead, we embrace the challenge, pushing our clients to new heights even in the face of adversity.

So the next time you find yourself sidelined by injury, consider this: perhaps what you really need is not less of "what hurt you," but more.