Most of us have been injured at some point in our lives, but we can easily cope with a scratch or a bruise. But what about twisted or sprained ankles, concussions or broken bones?
No matter who you are or how active you are, injuries are horrible. I’ve talked about avoiding injuries in some of my previous columns, so if you didn’t read them, you should read this one.
But first of all, you should know, I’m not a physiotherapist and if you’ve been injured and you want to continue with your athletics or exercise, you should see one. They will give you advice on how to train around your injury and even speed up the recovery process by doing specific types of exercises.
I know a lot of us hate the idea, but sometimes after an injury, you really just need some time off.
If you’re in pain, or part of your body isn’t working right, don’t make it worse by trying to power through. This can cause irreversible damage to a body part that might have recovered otherwise.
So what should you do the second you drop a weight on your toes, or twist your ankle? Well, definitely don’t get up and walk it off.
Lie down or sit for awhile and take some deep breaths. Tell someone nearby to get help. This could be an official at the game, or the gym staff who should all know first aid.
Then wait for an ambulance if one is necessary. A lot of the time we like to self-diagnose, or Google how to heal injuries and sicknesses because we hate waiting at the doctor’s office.
Forget that garbage. Professionals are the ones who have been training for years to help you. So let them.
Another thing we’re all guilty of is assuming we are healed long before we actually are.
Say the physiotherapist gave us specific stretches to do for a year. We stop doing them after a few months because we feel fine. If you really want to ensure maximum healing, you need to follow their advice to the letter.
There is another important aspect of recovery: psychology.
Some people injure themselves skiing and never go back again. Or if you’re doing a certain type of bench press and you drop the bar on yourself, you might stop doing that exercise; or you play hockey and flinch every time someone comes near you on the ice.
Fears are natural, but we shouldn’t let them overcome us. Just take precautions to be safe. Use your fear as a motivator to not let you make the same mistake or get in the same situation.
Wear a helmet, use a spotter, have a buddy watch you; do whatever it takes.
But definitely try again, because once you’ve conquered your fear, you will feel like a champion.
Alex Vietinghoff is a certified ski instructor, works at the J.B. O’Keefe Fitness Centre and is currently studying to be a personal trainer through Fitness NB. He is also vice-president student life of the St. Thomas University students’ union. Questions or comments about his column? Contact him at [email protected].
