Anyone who has ever suffered from a sports injury is well aware that recovery can often be a daunting prospect. If you have found it difficult to cope with such a situation, you are certainly not alone. Bouncing back from this scenario can be challenging on both a physical and a mental level. However, there are many options at your disposal and adopting the correct approach from the beginning will help to ensure that you can get back on your feet in no time at all.
The Physical Aspects of a Speedy Recovery
There are numerous types of injuries which can occur when practising sports. From relatively simple issues such as a strained hamstring to more profound problems including chronic lower back pain or a broken bone, the recovery or restoration process can be broken down into three stages:
• Protecting the affected area from further damage (sometimes known as the “unloading” phase).
• Slowly exercising in order to restore normal function.
• Further physical training that is specific to the activity or sport in question.
It should also be obvious that the types of treatments will vary depending upon the type of injury that you have experienced. For instance, some types of functional rehabilitation will involve strengthening a certain muscle while others may require the use of a chiropractor (such as if your back was severely affected).
Mental Hurdles to Overcome
Your mental approach will also play an important role. For instance, some research has found that developing a positive outlook can shorten the time needed for your body to properly heal. There are several suggestions which can help to ensure that you remain motivated during your convalescence.
For example, you should be provided with ongoing support in relation to the type of treatment and what you can ultimately expect from the outcome. You should also be open to talk about your feelings, as this is a great way to further reduce stress as well as to keep others informed about how you are feeling. If you happen to have any questions or concerns about the treatment that you are receiving, it is always wise to make these known. Clear communication can help you restore to normal function quicker and with fewer complications.
A Return to Normality
“If you listen to your body when it whispers, then you won’t have to hear it scream”. This is another way of saying that you should contact a professional at the first sign of trouble in order to avoid a more serious injury. Even minor pains and strains should be not be taken lightly, as these could hint at underlying issues which need to be assessed sooner as opposed to later.
Have you recently sustained an injury and do you have additional questions about how we can help you restore to normal function again? If so, please contact our clinic today and book in for your initial consultation.