Exercise Injury: Get back in the game
Sport or exercise injury is really a bummer because it can take you away from doing something you love. Instead of rushing back in from an exercise injury, follow this expert advice to ensure you come back better than ever!
Let’s avoid the common exercise injury
If you’ve had an injury that’s stopped you from playing the sport you love, then you understand how badly you want to get back into the game.
But getting cleared to play again doesn’t mean that you should jump right back in at the intensity and level you’re used to.
This just sets you up for more injury and more time away from the game.
You’re more likely to get injured when you start playing again because, during your time off, your body has become unfamiliar with the movements and exertions required for the game. In order to help your body readjust, it’s best to ease your way into the activity and give your body time to get reacquainted with the physical requirements.
Injury can happen to any athlete at any time. From twisted ankles to concussions to broken limbs, sports injuries are extremely common and always need to receive proper medical attention. In the NFL, over 30,000 injuries occurred over 15 seasons.
The league is constantly trying to implement new rules to make the game safer, especially in terms of concussions which happen fairly regularly on the football field. This goes to show that nobody is immune to sports injures, even people playing on highly trained teams. And even these athletes who are paid big money to play the game have to take time after an injury to recover.
Here are some ways to help ease your body into the demands of your sport after being away for some time.
Ask Your Doctor
It’s extremely important to get your doctor’s clearance before starting physical activity again. Even though you may think you know what’s best for your body, your doctor might know a little bit more about what’s going on and how to best treat you. It’s crucial to get your doc’s go-ahead before tying up the laces again.
Your doctor may also be able to help you create a plan to get back in shape. They can recommend exercises to do during your downtime to keep yourself active and tell you how best to get back in the game.
Find a Balance
Even though you shouldn’t jump right back into the game, sports injuries often require movement
as a part of treatment. This can be as structured as physical therapy if your doctor recommends it or as flexible as a few simple stretches here and there.
Keeping the injured area moving ensures that the area won’t become tight as the scar tissue heals, which is when most re-injury occurs. Finding a balance between rest and movement will give you the best chance of healing and staying healthy once you start playing again.
Have Patience and Positivity
Throughout this process, you may feel discouraged or helpless. It is essential that even if you are feeling down about the injury, you stick with your recovery plan and take care of your body. Continue to eat a healthy diet and do not take any risks.
You’ll feel worse if you injure yourself even more. You’re itching to get back to your sport and the feelings you are having are completely justified, but try your best to stay on track to give yourself the best chance of getting back on the field as soon as possible.
Listen to your Body
Yes, you should listen to your doctor when it comes to a sports or exercise injury, but you also shouldn’t ignore what your body is telling you. If you are trying an exercise that hurts or gives you discomfort that doesn’t feel right, stop right away. On the other hand, if you are feeling good during your exercises, continue and gain strength. Just don’t go too crazy.
Listening to your body is the best thing you can do when coming back from an injury because it will never lie to you. If it hurts, you’ll know about it.
And when you’re coming back from an injury, “no pain no gain” shouldn’t be your motto. Pain means stop.
So pay attention and make the necessary adjustments.
Wrap-Up
The main point is to come back to your sport after an injury in a regulated and gradual way. Take time for your body to fully heal and go slow during your first time back on the field or court.
Your body is your most important weapon, so take care of it and let it lead you to victory.
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