# Soreness and Pain – Know the Difference! By Dr. Emily Sweeney

> Soreness and pain can be difficult to distinguish, especially for our younger gymnasts. However, there are a few things to consider: soreness typically occurs…

By gymnasticsmed · May 1st, 2021 · Common Injuries

# Soreness and Pain – Know the Difference! By Dr. Emily Sweeney

## Soreness and pain can be difficult to distinguish, especially for our younger gymnasts.

However, there are a few things to consider: soreness typically occurs after new conditioning, or after changing volume or surfaces.

![](https://cdn.gxbsites.com/blobs/835702f986c86befa1eac1e64eeff7b4540a64488f79c00e8236b3c19e39ddff/asset.jpg)

For example, moving from a rod floor to a regular floor for tumbling can instill soreness that should improve over 1-2 days. On the other hand, pain is typically due to an injury and worsens over time. The pain may be due to an acute injury like a fall or awkward landing, or it may be chronic. Chronic pain is a little more difficult as the onset may be slow or insidious. Unlike soreness, chronic pain doesn’t go away; it may wax and wane over time but typically doesn’t resolve quickly.

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