When you’re in pain from an injury, you probably don’t want to get up and exercise. However, taking small steps to stay active can help you feel better physically and mentally while recovering from an injury. Staying active in smart ways can help expedite the recovery process, especially if you have a rehabilitation plan. Keep reading to see how you can stay active while recovering from an injury.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
The first thing to do if you’re interested in staying active during your recovery phase is to consult a healthcare professional. Based on the location of your injury and the severity, you’ll have unique physical restrictions that could prevent certain exercises. This is why you should always start by getting a personally tailored training plan from a professional. For example, you may have experienced a back injury or have recurring back pain. If so, it’s wise to see a back pain specialist first for treatment and exercise recommendations before taking things into your own hands.
Practice Low-Impact Exercises
Practicing the right exercises based on your treatment plan can help you feel better and speed up recovery. Some examples of productive exercises you can still try when recovering are low-impact exercises. Low-impact exercises include activities like yoga, pilates, step aerobics, jumping robe, and aquatic exercises. Aquatic exercises are especially helpful when healing because immersion in water provides more resistance and natural buoyancy to allow you to exercise in a safe and controlled environment.
Get Outdoors
When practicing low-intensity exercises, try taking them outdoors if the weather allows it. Staying indoors is often more convenient and comfortable while recovering from an injury. But spending even a few minutes outdoors each day can do wonders for your mental and physical health. If your recovery plan allows for it, start by taking a short walk on paths around your home to get some fresh air and stretch your muscles.
Now that you know these tips for staying active while recovering from an injury, keep these exercises in mind as you work out a rehabilitation plan. And don’t forget to discuss the best exercises for you based on your injury with your healthcare professional.
