Inflammation: What’s Really Going On?
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
The tender feeling/soreness we get in our muscles and joints, is it a good thing or bad thing? Well, it depends.
As I’ve been in rehab mode (PRP and Shockwave therapy) I have a new appreciation for inflammation. While I’m not seeking it out, I also recognize the importance and contribution to healing/recovery.
Muscle Growth (The Good Kind of Hurt)
When you lift, you create microscopic tears in your muscle fibers. This triggers a growth response, and inflammation kicks in as your body works to repair and build those tissues stronger (hypertrophy!).
The Signs: Soreness, aches, and fatigue.
The Risk: If you don't fully recover, your risk of injury shoots up, and your gym performance will decline. Listen to your body!
Joint Impingement (The Bad Kind of Hurt)
Unlike muscles, joint inflammation involves connective tissues and protective structures surrounding your bones. This often hits tendons, bursa sacs (the body's protective "air bags"), and other connective tissue.
When these joints or bursa sacs get pinched or impinged, they swell and become aggravated—and they are notoriously slow and difficult to heal.
Tips for Joint Relief:
Warm-Up: Proper warm-ups and mobility work are absolutely crucial to prevent joint impingement in the first place.
Supplement Smart: Consider adding creatine and a high quality Omega 3 fish oil to your routine. These help protect, strengthen and contribute to connective tissue repair.
While I’m not a fan of the phrase “no pain, no gain”, sometimes a little inflammation and discomfort can be a good thing. Train hard, recover harder!
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