Sports injuries are more frequent than you realize. They can occur for a variety of reasons, including lack of warming up, having the wrong posture, and existing muscle weaknesses.
Additionally, even if you are cautious at the gym, you could still hurt yourself when you’re not training. You could trip down the stairs or fall on a slippery surface.
Sustaining an injury can dramatically affect your fitness plans. But do you have to stop training completely? Experts weigh in on the question.
You are on strong painkillers
Severe injuries can be extremely painful. While movements will help reduce inflammation and prevent muscle weaknesses, attending your regular training may not be a good idea. When the pain is such that you must rely on medication to manage your routine, a fitness workout could put you at risk of further injury.
However, you can reach out to a physical therapist who can help set up a training program for your recovery. So, while you may not be training at the gym, you will have sessions with your therapist to recover mobility, muscle strength and improve your health.
You still experience some level of lingering pain or weakness
Injuries can take a long time to fully recover. It is not uncommon for your body to still feel pain or weakness through some motions, even though the injury doesn’t affect your day-to-day routine. Your physical therapist may recommend using KT tape for MCL sprain to help stabilize your knee during your workout, for instance. KT tape can provide the confidence and comfort you need to head back to the gym without worrying about lingering inflammation. It can be part of your recovery regime, ensuring you can train safely and return to your pre-injury level.
A word of caution, however: Your fitness level post-injury is likely to be reduced, even if you underwent physical therapy. So, be gentle and patient!
You are worried your injury affects your form
Even when an injury doesn’t disrupt your routine, the fear of pain or the lingering tightness in the area can transform your workout. It can be a good idea to reach out to a professional coach who can help you get back on your feet. Indeed, personal trainers have an excellent understanding of the anatomy and the different exercises that can be performed to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Their knowledge is indispensable to unlearn bad habits you have developed before or after the injury.
Furthermore, a coach will also be a fantastic ally in your recovery journey, helping you safely improve your stance and stamina.
Should I always change my workout after an injury?
The simple answer is yes. After sustaining an injury, you will need a workout plan that can reflect your new needs. While it may feel like a step back, as you are not able to maintain your pre-injury level, it will be beneficial in the long term. Following exercises designed with your injury in mind will help:
- Prevent the loss of mobility and strength
- Regain your confidence at the gym
- Monitor your recovery progress
- Make your fitness journey meaningful and useful
In other words, training should always be a major part of your recovery journey. While training plans will differ depending on the severity of the injury, maintaining a level of physical activity is crucial to your health. From physical therapy to unlocking your new potential with a knowledgeable personal coach, surround yourself with experts as you prepare for your recovery.
