Injury-Related Acute Pain in Elite Sport: A Model of Athletes' Pain Management Strategies

Acute pain from injury is a major concern in sport and public health. Athletes are known to have higher pain tolerance than the general population, suggesting that they may manage pain differently. This study aims to elicit the “how” and “why” of acute pain management strategies when coping with sport injuries. A thematic analysis of qualitative data involved 12 injured elite athletes (EAs) to ascertain their drug and nondrug acute pain management strategies. Results showed 14 strategies relating to two functions: problem-focused and emotion-focused. Six problem-focused strategies aimed to change the relationship between an individual and his/her environment: (a) modulating activity; (b) seeking instrumental support; (c) goal setting; (d) encouraging oneself; (e) taking painkillers; and (f) reframing the perception of pain. Eight emotion-focused strategies aimed to manage emotional distress: (a) diverting attention; (b) acceptance; (c) relativising pain; (d) repeating negative thoughts; (e) ignoring pain; (f) seeking emotional support; (g) hoping and praying; and (h) self-blame. EAs were shown to favor three strategies: modulating activity, diverting attention, and seeking instrumental support. Results showed a repertoire of acute pain management strategies and the function each strategy served. The variety of pain management strategies reinforces the coping functions (Lazarus and Folkman 1984) and suggests newly-identified flexibility in coping with acute pain extending beyond previous results on chronic pain. Results enriched the pain management approach concerning nondrug-strategies for patients in acute pain. They could offer new perspectives on human factors in health to improve acute pain management in the general population.