How to Stay in Shape While Injured
- C Morales
- May 1, 2016
- 2 min read
Have you ever broken a bone? Sprained an ankle? Slipped a disc? If you have, you probably know well how miserable it is to be injured. You have to move slowly, sometimes go to the chiropractor, physical therapist, or other specialists. With most physical injuries, it is beneficial to be active throughout the recovery period. Though, obviously, if you have broken your femur, hitting the gym and squatting is not a good option for you, but other types of exercises are still great. Keeping your blood flowing, spirits high, and muscles active will help aid the speed of your recovery.
If you have a lower-body injury: Good news! You can work out to your heart’s content on the pull up bar, dumb bells, many weight machines, and still do cardio in water. This well help flexibility and strength while supporting some of the weight that would normally be supported on the injured limb.
If you have an upper body injury: Still good news! You can still do ballistic, high intensity workouts with your legs (exercises such as lunges, squats, jumping movements, running, and walking) are still available to you.
Physical Therapy
If you have a physical therapist, listen to him/her! If they tell you not to do something, don't do it anyway.
If not, you can do basic things to help speed up your recovery and protect the muscle and joint that is injured. Slow and gentle movements help increase blood flow to the injured area. Blood can bring in nutrients and oxygen needed to make the necessary repairs. Slow and gentle range of motion exercise (stretching through the entire joint, i.e. if your shoulder is hurt, bring arm up to horizontal and make small circles) and help speed this along.
Summary
Injury is not an excuse to sit on the couch and eat chips and fall into depression
You can still focus on the area of your body that is not injured
Physical therapy or therapeutic stretching and range of motion exercises can help speed up recovery time.
Use the time to focus on your diet, add in anti-inflammatory foods, and prevent weight gain
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