14/12/2025
Hurt vs Harm 🤔
When it comes to pain, how do we know if the pain we are experiencing, is something to be worried about and addressed, or if it can just be acknowledged and monitored?
Ever had a paper cut? Those cuts can HURT so much, but don't actually cause any HARM. A clear indication that the level of pain doesn't equate to harm.
For example, post operative pain is due to tissue trauma and is a normal part of post surgical healing. The operated area may HURT, but we would expect this pain to gradually settle with time and the right post op protocol (rest, medication, appropriate movement).
If however you have a gradual onset of (for example) heel pain with running and it continues to worsens and then causes you to limp and wakes you at night, that pain can indicate HARM and needs to be assessed and managed.
When it comes to exercise and movement, some injuries or pathologies shouldn't be aggravated at all. Any pain can indicate HARM - such as pain felt when exercising when you have a stress fractures in the spine.
Other injuries, like those involving a tendon or ligament, movement or exercise that doesn't cause the pain to go beyond a 4/10, cause waking in the night or pain the next day, is appropriate.
Pain that is unrelenting, wakes you at night, is gradually worsening, is accompanied by fever, night sweats, tissues redness and swelling or causes a reduction in your range of movement and strength, needs to be evaluated and managed appropriately.
Unsure of whether your pain involes HURT or HARM? Let us help you understand and manage your pain. Call us on 94463833 to book an appointment.
