NatNews

As many athletes know, participating in sports carries with it risks every time one steps on the field or court, laces up shoes or skates, dives in the water, or enters into whatever setting is required for their various training and competitions. Among those risks are sports-related injuries, which are not always immediately identified as injuries.

Discomfort and pain are not synonymous, and it’s important for an individual to be able to distinguish what he or she is experiencing in order to avoid potential setbacks in training and on game/race day.

“Athletes need to remember that there is a difference between soreness and aches that go with playing their sports or working out and sharp pains and aches that can be associated with injuries and overtraining,” fitness coach and physical therapy tech Hannah Norris said. “A low level of soreness is acceptable, but there is no need to push through persistent pain while working out. The mindset of ‘suck it up’ and ‘no pain, no gain’ is not going to get you the results that you want.”

Some of these nagging issues develop over time, while others occur in one distinct moment. Libby Shewski, who played collegiate volleyball for John Brown University and currently coaches club volleyball for Excel Volleyball Club, said she played through a number of ankle rolls but was unable to ignore a broken finger during her high school playing days and a torn ACL during her collegiate career.

“I’m extremely competitive, and I play through everything unless a doctor tells me I can’t,” she said. “With my finger, I couldn’t even bend it, so I went to see the athletic trainers, and they sent me to an orthopedic. Same with my knee. I relied on my athletic trainers a lot and trusted their knowledge and experience.”

But adults who compete on a more recreational level don’t always have access to trainers and can’t always get in quickly to see doctors or specialists. That’s when they tend to rely on their own instincts.

“I do feel I know deep down when I really hurt myself versus when it’s an injury I can work through,” Shewski said.

Shewski’s years of experience on the volleyball court as a player and now as a coach have also taught her that the body has a way of communicating exactly what it needs when it needs it.

“When an incident occurs, and you feel pain in an area and know something isn’t right, that’s when you may need to see a doctor,” she said. “When something just hurts, and there’s nothing structurally wrong with muscle or bone, then that’s just a soreness that you may be able to work through with rest, ice, elevation, etc. I also believe that even though it may not be fun to rest, it’s necessary for your body’s recovery.”

Though some athletes have tendencies to be stubborn and continue as if nothing is wrong, Norris advises that it’s best not to ignore pain to the point that it can’t be ignored anymore.

“When the pain reaches a point where it is persistent through the workout, affects form, and can affect the athlete outside of exercising, that is a sign to back off,” Norris said. “Pain is generally your body telling you that there is something wrong, and it is important to listen to your body.”

While volunteering requires an investment of time and energy, it’s often a rewarding experience that allows a person to connect with his or her community on a deeper level.

Individuals throughout the Dallas area choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For White Rock Running Co-op member Elizabeth Cruz, it’s an opportunity to expand her horizons while helping others.

“It’s very fulfilling,” she said. “I get to meet new people and learn about the needs of the community.”

Cruz recently committed to work with the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization that partners with public and private agencies to investigate, prosecute, and provide healing services in child abuse cases throughout Dallas County.

“I want to make an impact in the community,” Cruz said. “When a child goes to DCAC, [he or she is] either going for therapy services or for an initial interview, and in my role, I’m the person who helps to make [him or her] comfortable.”

WRRC admin Kevin Roberts recently took part in a volunteer opportunity with the White Rock Roadies, a local cycling group. He and other Roadies members worked in shifts to pick up trash in the T.P. Hill area at White Rock Lake. Roberts said that he appreciates that the organizations with which he’s involved are adamant about dedicating their time and energy to serving others.

“We spent an hour and a half and picked up most of the debris,” he said. “I know WRRC as well as the local cycling groups I’ve been involved with take a lot of pride in the White Rock area. There is never a shortage of those willing to volunteer. What great communities!”

For many local residents, along with that pride come a strong sense of responsibility and desire to contribute to making positive impacts.

“I think it’s important to give back to the community,” Cruz said. “We live in this city, and we all have a duty to make the communities we live in better. We should want to be part of the change.”

For those looking for opportunities to serve in the area, Dallasites101 and VolunteerMatch list a variety of organizations seeking volunteers.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dash Merrill loves a good nap

Tuesday, July 26: National Dog Photography Day
Thursday, July 28: PNC Patio Sessions at the AT&T Performing Arts Center
Friday, July 29: Uptown & West Village Foodie Walk
Saturday, July 30: WRRC Saturday Run My Hood