Between torn muscles and fractured bones, there are many sports injuries that can keep an athlete from achieving peak performance. While these orthopedic issues can be physically limiting, they don’t have to keep you from staying active. By working with a trusted sports medicine team and adjusting your routine, you can keep moving and stay focused on your athletic progress. Here are five important steps to exercising during sports injury rehab to help build your body and prevent further damage.

5 Fitness Safety Tips During Injury Recovery 

1. Consult a Physical Therapist or Certified Athletic Trainer

After you’ve received any necessary emergency medical care, schedule a consultation with a physical therapist or the certified athletic trainer at your school. Trained in sports injury rehab, these professionals will guide you through activities that can help your body recover at a faster rate. They’ll also modify your workouts so that you can engage muscles and joints without putting injured areas at risk.   

2. Protect the Injury & Practice Optimum Loading

Wear a cast, brace, sling, bandage, or another type of protective gear to shield your injury from harmful force or movement. With approval from your orthopedic provider, you can then engage the injured area in optimum loading.

This is the practice of carefully moving the injured area and progressively increasing the intensity over several days. While it may not feel like typical exercise, this step is essential for keeping damaged tissues flexible and enhancing blood flow to promote faster healing.

3. Target Healthy Areas

Although one area of your body may be injured, other parts are likely still healthy enough to endure a regular amount of activity. For example, runners with shin splints may use a stationary bike to safely continue their cardio. Those with more severe lower body injuries may prefer to lift kettlebells to benefit the upper body and get cardio. Swimming is another low-impact option that can build muscle while minimizing stress to injuries.  

4. Pay Attention to Pain Levels

No matter how many precautions you’ve taken, it’s always critical to recognize pain during activity—a sign that you’re worsening the injury or causing new ones. If you feel pain, exercise caution and cease activity for the time being. Talk to a doctor or physical therapist about the pain and how to address it before you resume activity.

5. Prioritize Post-Workout Recovery

When you’re done with a workout, elevate, wrap, and ice the injury for no more than 20 minutes at a time. These steps will help restrict blood circulation, which can prevent swelling and minimize pain.

When an injury has put a pause on your physical activity, Associates in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will help fast-forward your recovery. After using advanced tools to diagnose your condition, AOSM  can provide comprehensive physical therapy services to minimize pain, promote healing, and strengthen performance. To learn more about their sports injury rehab programs and orthopedic surgery services, visit this provider online. Schedule a consultation today by calling (706) 226-5533.