Sports Then and Now

Dealing with a sports injury can be difficult. Whether your injury is a broken bone or a sprained ankle, the recovery process can be both physically and mentally painful. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get yourself off the sidelines and back on the field as quickly as possible.

Ask the Right Questions

Immediately following your accident, take some time to gather facts about your injury. Ask your medical professional questions like, “what physical activities can I participate in? How long does it typically take to recover from this type of injury?” Once you get these answers, the next step is to identify what your treatment options are and select what works best for you.

Find Your Team

In order to get back on your feet as quickly as possible, you need a network of health providers who specialize in dealing with your unique type of injury. For a knee injury or shoulder injury, the specialists at places like Western Orthopaedics can provide state-of-the-art care. When you are well enough to begin training again, be sure that your trainer remains in close contact with your physical therapist. If you do not already have a trainer, your physical therapist may be able to help you find someone to assist with your re-entry into the sport.

Listen to the Pain

As you work your way back into your routine, take special care to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Whether you train alone or with a professional, remember to take things slowly at first. If you experience pain and the pain continues to worsen, immediately discontinue what you are doing and consult a medical professional. Naturally, many athletes find that this is easier in theory than in practice. When planning your return, be mindful of your pain. Do not minimize the pain simply for the sake of returning to the field. Your recovery is unique and it is important to listen to the signs your body is giving you.

Look for Alternatives

No matter what your fitness goals are, from running a marathon to reaching a new bench press goal, it can be difficult to take a break when necessary. Many fear that the progress they have made so far will melt away. Luckily, there may be some alternative ways to train that will not impact your injury. Low-impact forms of exercise like cycling, swimming or using an elliptical can allow you to train with little to no pain.

Recovering from a sports injury can be tough. Sometimes recovery can take a while, but luckily there are quite a few things you can do to help speed up the healing process. Follow these simple tips and you will be back on your feet in no time.