Fri, April 24, 2026
Pain management in sport: Unintended harms and implications for performance enhancement
Pain management in sport: Unintended harms and implications for performance enhancement
Pain is a complex biopsychosocial experience that is commonly endured in sport and has been described as the greatest obstacle athletes face in pursuit of their goals. Pain during sport is generally viewed as a result of injury, with approaches to pain management guided through this context. However, intense muscle pain also arises as a natural consequence of intense and prolonged exercise (i.e. exercise-induced pain), and the implications of this (both for the athlete and for fair play) are very different to that of injury-induced pain.
This session will explore both the use and misuse of pain management strategies in sport, focusing on how these may cause unintended harms through the side-effects of drugs, or elicit performance enhancing effects that confer an unfair advantage to the athlete. Data from recent WADA-funded research will be used to provide live examples, with an evidence-based approach for how we can better protect our athletes and the integrity of sport.
Click here to view Lex Mauger's biography.
The Must-Attend Event for Sports & Law Professionals
Our 11th Annual Conference in association with Winston & Strawn LLP, scheduled for Thursday, 7th May 2026, will take place at the five-star Leonardo Royal London St Paul's Hotel.
As always, the conference will feature an exceptional line-up of speakers and panellists, including leading experts in anti-doping, athlete welfare, good governance, and integrity. We are also excited to announce that sports journalist and broadcaster Manish Bhasin will be moderating the conference, bringing his expertise and dynamic presence to the event. Attendees will have the chance to engage in dynamic discussions, learn from thought leaders, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the future of sports law.
In addition to the informative sessions, the conference will provide ample networking opportunities, with over 250 professionals from the legal and sports sectors expected to attend. From a dedicated breakfast to networking coffee breaks and a post-conference drinks reception, there will be plenty of chances to connect and share ideas with like-minded peers.
A provisional agenda is available on our event page.
