Pathophysiology of pain in sports.

The art and science of the management of musculoskeletal pain has advanced significantly over the past several years. With greater understanding of the nervous system's response to pain, and the biochemistry of this response, practitioners have a wider range of treatment options than ever before. The recognition of the importance of pain control in the recovery from musculoskeletal injury has resulted in the development of newer and more aggressive pain management strategies employing a variety of clinical techniques. Central to the appropriate use of these techniques is an understanding of physiology, psychology, and biochemistry of the pain response.