What distinguishes a chronic/overuse injury from an acute injury?

Chronic or overuse injuries are characterized by their development due to repetitive loading and strain on specific tissues over time. This type of injury typically occurs when a specific activity is performed repeatedly without adequate rest or recovery, leading to gradual wear and irritation of the affected structures, such as muscles, tendons, or joints.

For example, a runner might develop tendinopathy due to the consistent high mileage run on hard surfaces without enough recovery time for the tendons to heal. These injuries often manifest as persistent pain and can sometimes go unrecognized until they significantly limit movement or performance.

In contrast, acute injuries happen suddenly, often due to a specific traumatic event, such as a fall, collision, or excessive force applied in a single moment. While acute injuries can indeed be severe, they are defined by their sudden onset rather than by any repetitive activity.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for both prevention and treatment strategies in fitness and rehabilitation contexts. It's important for fitness professionals to recognize the signs and symptoms of both types of injuries to provide appropriate guidance to clients.