Dealing With Pain: Article Review/Summary

                The article I read is about working through the pain of training. Michael Stott uses quotes from trained professionals and former swimmers to back up his facts. This article states the difference between soreness from training and pain due to more serious injuries. Everyone who was interviewed for this article says that they would always tell themselves to push through the soreness because that is what makes you better. However, if the pain is sharp, burning, or anything of the like, it could be something more serious. Also, if the pain lasts for more than 4 weeks, a doctor should be contacted. They describe beating the discomfort as “physical vs. mental limitations.” They all said that pushing through the mental stuff is what makes a swimmer great. They also say that if the swimmer feels like it may be something more serious, they should ice the location and see a professional if it gets worse. Basically, this article focused on deciphering between pain from training and pain from an injury that needs to be corrected. Michael Stott says the quickest way to recovery is using rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Finally, this article tells of a “Return-to-Swim Program” that allows swimmers to swim while rehabbing from an injury, which could be a good thing to mention in my final project!

Citation: Stott, Michael J. "Dealing With Pain." Swimming World 50.3 (2009): 32. Middle Search Plus. Web. 29 Mar. 2012.