It will stay sore until you get used to it which took about 5 sticks for me (2.5 weeks). I have a good routine down now that makes sticks almost painless. I get my dart ready and then set it on a heating pad while I take a very hot shower and clean my butt cheek.

Then I get out, rub an alcohol wipe on that spot, stick slowly as I twist to break the skin and then the rest of the stick doesn't hurt. Make sure you inject slowly at a pace your body will accept without getting that ache when you inject to fast, and then I put the stick out very quick, and start to massage the crap out of that area. I do that for about 5 minutes and then go sit on a heating pad for about 15 minutes still massaging it every few minutes. I have found this routine while possibly overkill eliminates about 90% of any soreness.