Why That Niggle Won't Go Away: The Truth About Minor Sports Injuries
You know the feeling — a little ache in your knee after a walk, a tight shoulder after swimming, or a dull pull in your hamstring after a gym session. It's not exactly painful, but it's always there. Just enough to be annoying.
You stretch and rest, hoping the discomfort will fade, but weeks later, it's still there!
So what's going on?
The Myth of "It'll Sort Itself Out"
This is one of the most common things I hear from clients.
"I thought it would just go away."
And sometimes, that's true — minor injuries often settle with rest and light movement. But when a niggle lasts more than 2–3 weeks, or keeps returning when you're active, it's usually a sign of something deeper.
Minor injuries are often early warnings. Ignoring them can lead to more serious problems — like chronic pain, compensation injuries, or long-term movement restrictions.
Why Minor Injuries Linger
1. You Haven't Really Rested It
You may have stopped the activity that caused the problem (like running), but chances are you're still putting stress on that area. For example, I've seen clients with a "resting" calf strain who were still walking up and down Kingsbridge's hills every day.
Your body needs proper recovery time — not just a change in movement.
2. Your Body is Compensating
Your body is clever. When something hurts, it finds a way to work around it. But that means you might be unknowingly shifting stress to another area — causing secondary issues in the hips, back, or opposite leg.
3. There's a Root Cause You Haven't Addressed
Often, the location of pain isn't the source of the problem. A sore hamstring may be caused by weak glutes or reduced calf motor output. A tight neck may be the result of inadequate shoulder stability. That's why a full-body approach is so important.
Why This Happens So Often in South Hams
Our part of Devon is ideal for an active lifestyle — coastal walking, open-water swimming, paddleboarding, cycling, and trail running are all part of everyday life here. But these outdoor activities often involve repetitive motion, uneven terrain, and physical load on specific muscle groups.
That means:
Walkers and runners often deal with knee and Achilles niggles.
Cyclists commonly report tension in their hips or lower back.
Paddleboarders struggle with shoulder and neck stiffness.
All of these are manageable and treatable, but only if caught early.
When Should You See a Sports Therapist?
You don't need to wait until you're in serious pain to get professional help.
In fact, the best time to come in is while it's still just a niggle.
Consider booking a session if:
It's been more than 2–3 weeks with no improvement.
The discomfort returns every time you exercise.
It's starting to limit your movement or confidence.
You've started avoiding certain activities or exercises.
What Sports Therapist Do
I help you understand what's really causing the issue — not just where it hurts.
Your session includes:
A complete movement assessment to identify restrictions or imbalances.
Hands-on treatment to relieve pain and release tension.
Rehab exercises to restore strength and mobility.
Clear, practical advice for recovery and prevention.
My goal is to get you back to doing what you love — without pain or hesitation.
Final Thoughts
A niggle might seem small now, but it's often your body's way of asking for help.
Please don't wait for it to get worse. Address it early, and you'll recover faster — with less frustration and more confidence in your movement.
Let's get you back on track.
I work with clients across the South Hams, helping walkers, cyclists, paddlers and everyday movers feel strong, balanced, and pain-free.