Pain from injuries, arthritis, and muscle overuse are things athletes deal with constantly. However, it doesn’t stop them from playing the sport they love.
Canadian athletes are a source of national pride. Thanks to access to public and private sector support, high-level training facilities, and some of the best coaches, our athletes are able to succeed in their chosen sport and distinguish themselves both in their home country and on the international stage.
Being able to play or compete in the sport you love is an honour and a privilege and, for many, a dream come true. But it takes years of intense physical and mental conditioning, commitment, and sacrifice to get to the top of your game.
To us spectators watching our athletes accept an Olympic medal, receive a coveted trophy, or celebrate a team win, they may appear to be strong, fit, and leading a pain-free life.
What we often don’t see is what goes on behind the scenes. With constant wear and tear on their bodies, injuries and strains, pain becomes an inevitable part of life for Canadian athletes — and pain can be a major hurdle to success.
Whether you’re playing professionally or just for fun, proper rest and recovery are important to healing, but that can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, many safe and effective over-the-counter topical products can make it easier for athletes to manage their pain and continue to play the sport they love.
Mediaplanet recently spoke with three Canadian athletes to learn more about what attracted them to their respective sports, what drives their commitment and motivation, and how they turn to solutions like Deep Relief® topical products and physical therapy to manage their pain.
With Deep Relief® Ice Gel™, Spray, and Patches as part of an athlete’s tool kit, there’s nothing to stop Canadian professional athletes – or any sports enthusiasts – from doing the things they love. Deep Relief® is a Canadian brand and trusted pain reliever for 50+ years – Available in all major retailers and amazon.ca, DEEP RELIEF® is a complete line of fast-acting, long-lasting, penetrating pain relievers designed to target your source of pain — and the only pain reliever endorsed by the Canadian Chiropractic Association.
Q&A with Ann-Renée Desbiens
Ice Hockey Goalie & Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist
What inspired you to play ice hockey?
Sport was always important for my family and was a way to create connections. I have four older siblings (three brothers and one sister) who played hockey, so I wanted to be just like them. In addition, it was a way for us to spend energy and have a healthy lifestyle.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?
The most memorable moment of my career has been winning the Olympic Gold in 2022. After the 2018 Olympics, I retired, so I never thought that being an Olympic Gold Medalist was a possibility. So when I decided to come back 18 months after retiring, I was excited about new challenges. And then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. I was glad to have all my teammates during those difficult moments and to be able to celebrate winning gold all together made that moment even more special.
How has your career as an ice hockey goalie physically affected your body?
My body is definitely stronger because of sports and all the workouts. However, after 23-plus years as a goalie, I have to deal with chronic pain in my day-to-day life and the soreness from all the workouts, practices, games, and travel.
What helps you manage your pain?
I used treatment and specialists to help manage my pain. Depending on the situation, the best solution is sometimes to ice or use a cold spray and heating pads or hot spray in other cases. It’s also important to use strengthening exercises and stretches to help in the long term. Every athlete has their own preferences, and it’s important to find the right solution for yourself.
Why is effective pain management crucial for professional athletes?
Pain management is very important for athletes since our body is what does the work for us. Being pain-free helps keep the focus on performing to the highest of our abilities. Often, pain is what slows us down and can be an important hurdle to being successful.
Q&A with Latrell Harris
Defender, Toronto Rock
What prompted you to start playing lacrosse?
I was playing ball hockey, and my dad’s best friend at the time was a lacrosse coach. So, the coach bought me a stick and asked me to come to practice. From there, it was history!
In what ways has playing lacrosse affected your body?
My legs for sure. I have Osgood-Schlatter disease, and my knees get sore after training or playing a game.
People are always trying to be better than me, and I wouldn’t like to let that happen.
What motivates you to push through recovery and remain competitive?
People are always trying to be better than me, and I wouldn’t like to let that happen. Being sore won’t stop me from getting active and improving. Unless I can’t walk or run, I will always try to improve myself.
What sets Canadian athletes apart from the rest of the world?
Canadians’ attitude is to be the best. At all times, we’re representing Canada and want to give our best performance.
Q&A with Jaylen Babb-Harrison
Basketball Guard, Niagara River Lions
What sparked your interest in basketball?
My interest came from being born into a family that loved basketball. So just seeing my family play and talk about the game at a young age sparked my interest to follow suit. Watching the Toronto Raptors also heightened my interest in the era where Vince Carter was our star player.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?
So far, the most memorable moment of my career has been scoring 30 points, making eight 3-pointers in my first game, and winning with the River Lions.
When operating at peak performance levels, pain is often inevitable. What has been your experience with this?
Injuries and pain are things that come with the sport. For example, basketball has affected my joints because of the constant impact, but as athletes, we also do a lot of muscle and joint exercises to strengthen those areas to sustain what we put our bodies through.
What helps you manage your pain?
We have top-tier physiotherapists, so I get the areas of need massaged and stretched out to manage pain. I also try to rest the area that’s in pain until it feels better. Sometimes rest isn’t an option, and if the injury isn’t too serious and there is just minor pain on a joint or muscle, I will use Deep Relief® spray to treat the area of pain so that I’m able to play and not feel the pain.
When living under constant strain, what pushes you to keep playing?
My love for the game pushes me through strain. Basketball is also a team sport, and my unwillingness to let my teammates down motivates and pushes me as well.
What sets Canadians up to become great athletes?
Having something to look to, a goal, a destination, for Canadians in their home country plays a big role in staying motivated and trying to achieve greatness in athletics. The more opportunities that Canadians have (facilities, leagues, education, money), the greater athletes we will continue to see.
