I’m going to ask you to draw a distinction between muscle pain and muscle discomfort. Muscle pain takes on many characteristics, possibly sharp, tingling, burning, intense and it makes you want to draw back — stop the movement. Muscle discomfort doesn’t make you draw back from the movement, but dares you to sink in, giving you the sense that, in the sinking in, lies the release.

Muscularly speaking, this distinction is valuable as it may dictate what path to take to relieve the pain. Discomfort from strain or chronic compromising, postural habits can often be managed, even eliminated by massage therapy and various self-care practices. For those of us who do not have the luxury of good health insurance (or any at all) understanding this can not only ease the stress of the uncertainty but also save you some money. I have had periodic foot pain throughout the years and I understand exactly where it comes from and why. Did I wear shoes inappropriate for the situation? Did I wear a pair of shoes that were slightly large, that perhaps required a thicker sock to be secure? Did I do a lot of incline walking? These are the activities that bring on my foot pain and despite my muscular & myofascial insight and knowledge of my own body’s tendencies I don’t always obey my own rules either through ignorance or stubbornness. I can ease my pain w trigger point therapy and self massage techniques, and hope I’ll learn my lesson to prevent a next time!

The bottom line is if you experience muscle pain through movement, back out gently, come back to center and breathe, and make an appointment w the appropriate practitioner. If you experience muscle discomfort go right on in, have a seat and talk things over.

Tricia Schwaba, August 2025