Sports injuries can happen to athletes at every level. From the aspiring professional to a weekend warrior, suffering an injury can be devastating to your workout routine and your lifestyle.
No matter if you have sustained a minor injury or are recovering from surgery related to the injury, it is crucial to give yourself time to heal properly.
When you experience a sports injury, start with the PRICE method:
Protection – apply bandages, elastic wrap or splints
Rest – Allow the injured tissue time to heal
Ice – Help to reduce swelling. Apply for 10-15 minutes as soon as possible after the injury. Repeat each hour for the first four hours, then four times a day for the next two days.
Compression – Wrap the injured area to help reduce swelling
Elevation – Force gravity to drain fluid away from tissues and reduce inflammation and pain by lifting the injured area above your heart.
The sooner you address your injury and begin treatment the sooner you will be back in the game.
Rehabilitation can be a frustrating process as you work to reduce pain and regain your function it may seem to be an uphill battle.
Gentle stretches and exercises are often the first steps in the recovery process.
We’ve created a series of tips and tricks you can use at home to speed up your recovery process. Over the next 10 months we will be covering these common injuries:
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Tears of ligaments
- Shin splints
- Dislocated joints
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Concussions
- Fractured bones (including vertebrae)
- Sports hernia
Keep in mind that you should consult a professional regarding your injury, self-treating can cause the problem to get worse and keep you out of the game that much longer!
If you have any questions –