Pain Management During a Tournament

Dedicated to all the wonderful teammates, coaches, and rivals.

Written by: Arjun Patel, PT, MPT, MCPA, Clinic Director: Blue Space Clinic Physiotherapy

Please note that post/document is for information purposes only. If you have any questions or need medical advice please see a healthcare professional.

It’s very unlikely that you go through the entire tournament without anything hurting at all. So let’s talk about it! The take home message here is:  There is a fine balance between managing pain to alleviate performance, and ignoring or numbing the pain to further exacerbate the injury. When in doubt, talk to a healthcare professional.

First- Pain is subjective.

You are the best judge of your pain, and it is your responsibility to communicate it to your coach. THE best thing you can do for yourself during a tournament is communicate discomfort, pain, and its impact on your performance to supportive teammates and your coach.

Bracing/ Taping:

Integrating supportive measures like bracing or taping an injury. Choose braces designed for your specific injury or area of discomfort, ensuring a proper fit for maximum effectiveness. This will help reduce the amount of forces passing through the injured area.

Medication Management:

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication. Generally taking pain medications preemptively is not recommended unless you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional.

That said, when needed, over-the-counter pain medications can offer temporary relief from pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate discomfort associated with minor injuries or muscle soreness. However, use these medications judiciously and adhere to recommended dosage guidelines to avoid adverse effects. 

Load Management:

We discuss this in the prevention article! Click HERE to take a look!