Whether you play sports for fun or compete professionally, an injury can feel like the end of the world and leave you wondering, “Now what?” But even if you want to shake it off and jump back into the game, it’s important to remember that rushing through your recovery can lead to further damage or cause another injury.
At AdventHealth, our sports medicine and rehabilitation experts are here to guide you through every stage of your recovery so you can return to action feeling stronger and better than ever.
Take Time to Heal
It’s critical to give your body time to recover. While minor injuries may only last a few days or weeks, major traumas such as broken bones or ligament tears can take months to heal. Give yourself plenty of time to rest and focus on minimizing pain, swelling and inflammation.
Focus on Active Recovery
You may feel tempted to camp out on the couch during the initial recovery phases. But research from the National Institutes of Health shows that a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact your healing process and overall health more than you might realize. Extended periods of inactivity after an injury can lead to:
- Decreased metabolic function
- Higher levels of stress
- Higher risk of reinjury
- Increased risk of infection
- Lower cardiovascular fitness levels
- Muscle loss
- Poor sleep quality
Although you can’t exercise at the level you’re accustomed to, incorporating movement throughout the day can help you recover faster. Small activities, such as walking around the house or stretching every day, will improve your blood flow, prevent muscle atrophy, and promote healing.
Incorporate Low-Impact Exercise
Once you progress through the initial stages of recovery, your physical therapist may recommend incorporating low-impact exercise into your routine. Low-impact activities can protect your joints, keep uninjured muscles active and preserve your cardiac health. Some lower-intensity workouts include:
- Active stretching
- Bicycling
- Core strengthening
- Resistance bands
- Swimming
- Walking
Ask your physical therapist or athletic trainer for modified versions of drills or exercises related to your sport. Whether you're practicing footwork or shooting free throws from the comfort of your couch, these exercises can help you maintain your skills and stay in the game.
Remember to listen to your body. If you experience pain, swelling or excessive stiffness, take a break and apply ice.
Begin to Retrain
Once you have healed from your injury and regained enough strength and flexibility, your doctor may give you medical clearance to start training again. While this is an exciting step in your recovery, you must still cross the finish line.
Many athletes attempt to return to competition too soon, causing reinjury or new trauma. At this point in your journey, focus on the quality, rather than the quantity, of your training. It takes time to reestablish a solid base of endurance, strength and agility, so don’t expect too much of yourself too soon.
Focus on Your Mental Recovery
Recovering from a traumatic injury takes more than just physical determination. You may experience fear, anxiety or depression throughout your healing process. While these emotions are completely normal, they may leave you feeling defeated and unmotivated.
During the early stages of your recovery, focus on visualizing yourself playing your sport. Picture yourself running through plays, drills and games. If you have recordings of yourself and your team, watch the footage and imagine yourself in action. Visualization can remind you of your goals and inspire you to stick with your physical therapy.
Once you begin training again, the idea of competing may scare you. Many athletes struggle to trust that their bodies have healed completely after a severe injury, and they fear they won’t be able to compete at the same level.
Give yourself the time and space you need to regain your confidence and establish trust in your abilities. Start with slow, deliberate exercises and build up to full-speed challenges. If you feel stuck, set small daily or weekly goals that encourage you to track your progress.
Above all, remember that recovery isn’t linear. You will likely experience many ups and downs during your healing journey. If you feel frustrated, try mindfulness to calm your stress and reframe those negative thoughts.
Comprehensive Support Designed for You
No matter where you are in your recovery, our team of specialists at AdventHealth will work with you to create a personalized sports medicine or rehabilitation plan that fits your unique needs.
Our comprehensive team, including athletic trainers, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists and massage therapists, will ensure you receive whole-person care throughout your journey.
Take control of your recovery and schedule an appointment with our Sports Medicine and Rehab Care team today.
