Speed up recovery physically, mentally
When injury occurs and you are sidelined from your regular routine, it is too easy to sit back and wait for a full recovery. Experiencing injury not only takes a toll on you physically, but also psychologically. While rest is good, you don't want your entire body to regress because you can't move like you used to. The human body will work hard on its own to help you recover, and there are plenty of things you can do to help speed up your recovery physically and mentally.
While you rehabilitate the injured area as prescribed by your doctor or physical therapist, it is best that you still maintain the habits and benefits of your regular physical activity routine. After removing activities that aggravate your injury, continue with the exercises, stretches and activities that will prevent the rest of your body from becoming weak or de-conditioned.
Good health is a temporary condition, so it's important that we continue to do everything we can to support it. Too many people stop their regular routines altogether when injury occurs. When the expected outcome to fully recover with rest alone fails, people find that they feel worse than before, have gained weight or are even more discouraged. It is imperative that you avoid getting in this situation of making the recovery and return to normal even more difficult.
If you get injured, remember that it's not just about rehabilitation - it's also about maintaining good habits. When you have an injury, the food you eat plays an important role in recovery. Healthy foods contain vitamins and minerals needed for helping skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues repair themselves. Additionally, they help to reduce swelling, bruising and pain as well as improve circulation. Avoid skipping meals or eating foods with little to no nutrients that can actually slow your recovery time. A well-balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates and fats is essential to repairing an injured body.
When your body is injured, it is important that you get more sleep and rest than normal. While you sleep, it is the best time for your body to rebuild and repair itself. The hormone melatonin is produced while you sleep, which helps boost your immune system and repair any damage. If your injury is preventing you from getting good sleep, talk to your doctor about it. If you aren't sleeping well, your body can't adequately recover.
In addition to good sleep, nourishing foods and continuing to move, be sure to keep in contact with your social groups. Serious injuries can cause people to accept a "new normal" of pain, discomfort or disability. If you have an isolated injury, don't let it hinder every area of your life. Instead of focusing on what you can't do, stick with what you can do. Think about the steps you need to take to move forward and aim for maximum healing.
Missy Corrigan is executive of community health for Sumter Family YMCA. She can be reached at mcorrigan@ymcasumter.org or (803) 773-1404.