If you promised yourself that 2023 would be the year you finally established a regular fitness routine, or that you’d up the ante on your current regime, and have actually followed through with it, then well done. The benefits of taking regular exercise are many, yet a quick run or a sweaty session at the gym are things that many people struggle to fit into their busy lifestyles – so committing to the cause and following through is no small feat.
As well as improving your cardiovascular health and building muscle to boost strength and enhance metabolism, exercise also comes with a raft of plus points when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. It’s been shown to boost blood circulation, in turn elevating cognitive function and increasing mental clarity, and promotes better sleep as well as reducing stress – so there is no shortage of reasons to make it a priority.
But if you’ve finally got a solid routine going only to find yourself injured in the process, it can be disheartening to say the least – and sadly, it’s a common occurrence amongst active individuals.
The good news, though, is that exercise itself plays a crucial role in injury recovery – and not just those sustained through activity. In fact, approached in the right way, it can help with rehabilitation for a number of different afflictions, however they happened to occur – but you’ll need to approach it with caution.
The right course of action will depend on the type of injury you’re dealing with, as well as your own individual circumstances – but a tailored exercise program from a professional can accelerate the healing process and help you to regain vital strength and mobility, as well as your confidence.
Here, we take a look at how fitness could be the key to recovering from the most common types of injury, and help you to rebuild both your body and your life in its wake.
Hernia recovery
Hernias are one of the most common types of injury sustained through physical exercise, and particularly weightlifting. They occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, with common areas affected including the groin, upper thigh and upper stomach, and while symptoms vary, almost all can prove troublesome.
A heavy workout isn’t the only known cause, though; giving birth, obesity and chronic coughing and sneezing are all thought to play a role in their development. Depending on what type of hernia you have, you may experience varying degrees of pain along with a host of other issues, but the good news is that regular strengthening exercises, under the guidance of a healthcare professional or physical therapist, can help to improve core strength and alleviate symptoms. Head to webop.com for more information.
Sports injuries
Sports injuries come in many forms, ranging from sprains and strains to fractures and injuries caused by overuse or a particular muscle or joint. If you suffered one of these through going hard at the gym or pushing yourself to get a new personal best while out running, then the idea of returning to exercise as part of your rehabilitation may seem counterintuitive, but doing so is important as it will play a crucial role in preventing further deconditioning while you recover, as well as strengthening muscles, improving flexibility and restoring joint stability.
Range of motion and strengthening exercises are usually the first step, and a gentle approach should always be taken to avoid exacerbating the injury further. Targeted exercises can also help address muscular imbalances and prevent further injuries in the future – but consult with a professional sports physiotherapist for guidance, as going too fast, too soon could prove detrimental to your recovery.
Musculoskeletal conditions
Although not technically injuries, musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, osteoarthritis and tendonitis can all cause significant pain and have a detrimental impact on your quality of life, but again, can be addressed to a certain degree with the help of gentle exercise.
Low impact exercises like swimming, walking and yoga are all great options that can help to improve flexibility and build strength in important supporting muscles. Targeted exercises are also important for working on specific areas of concern, and by combining the two, you can expect to see a reduction in pain, as well as improved joint mobility and functional abilities in the long term.
The bottom line
Contrary to popular belief, remaining stationery and waiting for your injury to heal is not the best path to recovery, and the right kind of exercise can dramatically impact your journey back to your best self. But approaching with caution and ensuring you’re armed with the right guidance for your specific injury or condition is key, so be sure to consult with a medical professional or a physiotherapist before you begin.
