Tips for Easing Back Into Activity After Being Sidelined With an Injury

Are you dealing with injuries, arthritis, or recovering from surgery? Look no further than our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons at the Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson in Nevada. We use physical therapy to help you heal, reduce pain, and lower the risk of getting hurt again.

You can recover from injury and return to activities you love with patience and a proper approach. In this blog post, we share practical tips and advice to guide you through this process. Listen to your body and give it the time it needs to heal fully. 

The importance of full recovery

Giving your body sufficient time to heal is essential. Returning to activities too early can worsen the injury or result in new ones. The key is to achieve balance. It's important to stay active for general health but don’t overexert yourself. Waiting patiently is key; your body will show its gratitude in the long run.

Start with low-impact exercises

Once we give you the green light, begin with low-impact exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility without adding stress to the healing injury. This might involve activities such as swimming, cycling, or doing gentle yoga. 

The goal is to gradually reintroduce movement to your body in a safe and controlled way.

Gradually increase duration and intensity

As your body recovers and strengthens, you can slowly increase the duration and intensity of your exercises. 

Take this one step at a time. If you walk for exercise, add five more minutes to your weekly routine. Or if you're swimming, add another lap to your routine. The goal is to push your body without experiencing pain or discomfort.

Know when to rest

It's equally important to know when to rest. If you experience pain, excessive fatigue, or any other concerning symptoms during an activity, take it as a sign that your body needs a break. 

Rest is vital to the recovery process, so pay attention to it. Having a day or two of complete rest is OK.

Preventing further injuries

To avoid re-injury, use protective gear, maintain proper technique, and take breaks as needed. These measures can go a long way in keeping you safe as you ease back into activity. Also, incorporate a variety of activities into your routine to avoid overusing any single muscle group.

Working with a physical therapist ensures you're exercising correctly and safely. We provide personalized advice tailored to your specific injury and recovery status. And having someone to hold you accountable can motivate you to stick with your exercise plan.

Be patient

Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. Recovering from an injury and returning to activity is a gradual process that requires patience, perseverance, and a well-thought-out plan. 

You can safely and effectively get back to your regular activities by seeking professional guidance. Call for more information or request an appointment here.