Sharp vs Dull Pain - How to Know When to Stop and When to Push Through

One of the most common questions we get in the clinic is,

“Should I keep training through the pain, or should I stop?”

The truth is, not all pain is bad, but not all pain should be ignored either.Understanding the difference between sharp and dull pain can help you make smarter decisions in the gym and reduce your risk of serious injury.

When Pain Means Stop

If you ever experience sharp, sudden, or pinpoint pain during a movement, stop immediately.This kind of pain often appears without warning and is usually specific to a certain action or position.It’s your body’s way of sending a clear message: “Something’s not right.”

These types of pain can be linked to issues such as:

• Muscle strains or tears

• Ligament sprains

• Joint impingement

• Nerve irritation

Pushing through this kind of pain can make things worse, turning a minor irritation into a long-term problem that takes months to fix. When in doubt, don’t push through. Pause, rest, and get it checked by a professional.

When Pain Is Just Soreness

On the other hand, that dull, achy feeling after a workout, often described as muscle soreness or “DOMS” (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) is completely normal.It usually shows up 24–48 hours after training and feels like a bruised or tight sensation rather than a sharp pain.

This is your body’s way of adapting and rebuilding muscle tissue after training. It’s a sign of progress, not injury.To help your body recover faster:

• Stay hydrated

• Move gently — light stretching or walking can help

• Prioritise sleep and nutrition

• Adjust your training volume if soreness becomes excessive

Remember, recovery is just as important as training. Giving your muscles time to adapt is what makes you stronger and more resilient over time.

The Smart Approach: Listen, Don’t Guess

Your body is constantly giving you feedback but it’s easy to misinterpret the signals when you’re motivated to hit goals.That’s where we come in. At Rogue Rehabilitation, we specialise in helping you understand what your body is trying to say.

Whether you’re dealing with an ongoing niggle or a sharp pain that’s holding you back, we’ll assess what’s happening, pinpoint the cause, and help you build a plan for safe, sustainable recovery.

You don’t have to figure it out on your own and you definitely don’t have to stop moving completely.We’ll guide you on how to modify exercises, strengthen weak areas, and get you back to full performance.

Final Thought

Pain is a message not a punishment. Learning to recognise the difference between normal muscle soreness and pain that signals injury is one of the most valuable tools in long-term health and performance.

If you’re unsure what kind of pain you’re dealing with, reach out and let us take a look.We’ll help you move better, recover faster, and train smarter, without the guesswork.

📍 Rogue Rehabilitation — Located inside Genfit Training Centre, Ormeau🔗 www.roguerehabilitation.com.au💬 Book your next session or send us a message today.