Tip of the week: How to relieve athletic pain

Locate the ache. “The area that hurts most is likely not the source of your pain.” Sore knees, for example, are often caused by weak hips. If you don’t find the source, treating aches and pains “means zilch.”

Correct the problem. You can treat tennis elbow, but the pain will keep coming back if you never perfect your swing. A sports trainer “certified in ‘corrective exercise’” can help pinpoint the problem.

Stay active. Too much rest “can lead to scar-tissue buildup.” According to the American Council on Exercise, keeping up a “low-intensity” exercise routine helps “stimulate” the healing process.

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See a professional. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that “mildly stress the problem spot, repairing the damaged tissues.” Therapy can also uncover hidden problems that even MRIs miss.

Source: Outside