Top Tips To Recover From An Injury That Interrupts Your Training
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Many people believe that your success as an athlete is marked by your drive - your ability to keep going no matter what stands in your way. After all, this is what makes an elite athlete stand out from an amateur, right?
However, this isn’t strictly true. Your success is actually dependent on your ability to make smart decisions regarding your training and fitness - and that also means knowing when to stop. For example, while it can be tempting to push through an injury, especially if it arrives at an inopportune moment, this can potentially lead to worse complications further down the line.
While frustrating, the sooner that you accept that you need to take a break and recover, the better it will be for your athletic career in the long run.
With that in mind, here are some simple tips that you can use to recover from an injury that interrupts your training - without forcing yourself to bounce back before you are ready.
Be aware of the common injuries
Injuries are all too common in the sporting world. Being aware of what injuries are common in your chosen activity can help you put preventative measures in place. This also ensures you know what to do when these injuries present themselves, such as whether or not they will require medical attention or simply some rest. While it varies from sport to sport, the most common injuries across all activities include sprains, strains, and swollen muscles.
Seek medical attention
If your injury is severe or you are unsure why you are in pain, you must seek medical help sooner rather than later. For example, you may want to seek medical advice or consult a physio – it's going to be rare that someone needs surgery. If not, it's better to get your injuries looked over by a professional anyway, if only to set your mind at ease.
This also gives you the chance to ask about the steps you can take yourself to speed up your recovery. For example, if you are dealing with a sprain, you may be able to help ease the symptoms by icing the area and helping bring down the swelling.
Hold Yourself Accountable
While the majority of injuries that interrupt your training may be accidents, you may also have a role to play, and it's essential that you hold yourself accountable when this is the case. You'll have to be able to process being what has happened to you. There's an extremely slim possibility that you may seek external advice and if so then a Boise DUI Lawyer puts yourself in the best possible position moving forward.
Take a break
As mentioned previously, your commitment to your sport may lead you to believe you need to be (literally) up and running again as soon as possible. However, taking a break is necessary following an injury as it gives your body time to heal and recover. Ideally, you should speak with a doctor or physiotherapist who can give you a timeline of recovery to follow. Once you’ve received this information - treat it as concrete guidance, not a suggestion.
If your doctor says you need to stay away from training for a month, then stay away from training for a month. Trust that they know what they are talking about and are giving you the advice that is best for your training in the long run. Instead of agonising over spending time away from the sport, you love, find other ways to spend your time. Reconnect with old friends, read a book, keep your mind working when your body cannot - and you’ll be rested enough in no time.
Train smartly
While many athletes will factor injury prevention techniques into their training, you must reintroduce yourself to the world of exercise rather slowly. Don’t presume your body will immediately be able to do everything it once did right away - especially if you’ve taken a lot of time off. Start small and work your way up over time, as this will help you regain your strength. You should also ensure that you make your return to exercise as comfortable as possible. For example, if you are working your way back to your peak after a knee injury, you may want to wear a knee support for a little while.
Set yourself new goals
Setting yourself new goals and targets as an athlete is a key to reaching your personal best - whether you’re a cross-country runner or a weightlifter. However, these goals must factor in your recovery, meaning you may have to change them slightly when you return to training. Thankfully, this does not necessarily have to be a bad thing, as it means you have something to set your sites on and work towards.
As a result, it can serve as an excellent motivator. If you aren’t sure how hard you should be pushing yourself, speak with a trainer or a therapist who will be able to help you set realistic, attainable goals that factor in your recovery. Remember, goals don’t have to be far-away targets, as you can set yourself a series of weekly goals to keep you going as your return to exercise, working towards a bigger, cumulative goal each month.
Don’t ignore pain
In the world of fitness, we’re often taught that pain is a sign of progress (the no pain, no gain mentality), and while you should expect to feel the effects of a good workout - you shouldn’t push through pain, especially when recovering from an injury. After all, this could be a sign that you are not fully recovered and require more rest or further medical attention. Pushing through it may provide you with momentary satisfaction if it lets you finish your workout, but it could cause your injury to worsen significantly.
