[This is a guest blog by Jonte Brown. Jonte is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC with a degree in Sport Management and is currently serving as an Athletic Development Intern at Athletic Lab.]

wayne-rooney-injuredAt some point in an athlete’s career, no matter their level, they’re going to get hurt. Most injuries require a medical release to return to competition. For an athlete who plays through an injury, he or she is at the risk of effecting their long-term health. Athletes are looked at as role models and heroes for sacrificing their bodies for the glory to win. Why do athletes take the risk and play injured? Maybe to show toughness? Coaches command it. Maybe for fans or the organization, or they just are not willing to miss out. Playing through pain is something that’s been experienced by athletes since sports began.

Playing with aches and pains are the norm in athletics, especially in contact sports in which players or prospects are sometimes graded on “toughness.” Athletes train to control and master their bodies. A injury may seem like a form of betrayal to them because their body isn’t cooperating with the physical demands. In reality, the body is telling the mind it needs a break. An individual’s mentality has to be very strong to know when to shut it down and get fully recovered when injured to avoid potentially more severe injuries. The sayings, “there is no “I” in team,” “get back out there,” “suck it up,” or “tough it out” are phrases players might hear when they don’t feel 100%. The body isn’t built to sustain high stress and impact movements for such prolonged periods. That’s why the term “father time” is connected to athletes because eventually, the body starts to breakdown and injuries are more likely with longer periods of recovery.

Is it really worth your long-term health to play through injuries? Is the reward greater than the risk? Some athletes believe so and others may not. There is no right answer. The pressure to play through injuries and pain is instilled in all athletes regardless of sport, which can be simplified or glamorized by people who are not involved in athletics. For professionals, they are more likely to do so due to the fact that it’s their job. Most importantly, coaches, players, and trainers must focus on the potential repercussions of the decisions to play or not to play injured. Lastly, the decision to play injured cannot be based solely on trying to prove your toughness.

References
Young, K. White, P. McTeer, W. (1994). Body Talk: Athletes reflects on sport, injuries, and pain. Sociology of Sport Journal.