It can be pretty challenging to function normally if you are in pain and undergoing injury rehabilitation. Instead of being able to do the things you love and the tasks you need to do efficiently, there may be instances wherein you may find it difficult even to get out of bed. But don’t worry because there are several ways to manage and combat pain, particularly if you are undergoing rehabilitation. This article lists some helpful tips for navigating injury rehabilitation.
Listen to the Experts
One of the primary things you need to do to successfully navigate a pain-free injury rehabilitation is to listen to the experts. The seasoned chiropractors and wellness specialists behind Dominguez Injury Centers suggest using multiple strategies to treat chronic pain brought about by accident, work, or sports injuries. For instance, you consider chiropractic care or corrective exercises that allow your body to heal without using medicines. The key here is working with experts who can provide recommendations regarding the best course of treatment based on your specific condition.
However, you must note that not all experts have equal skills and ensure that you are working with the best for your healing. In this case, work with a medical practitioner with experience handling patients with the same cases as yours. This way, you are assured that they have first-hand experience with beneficial injury rehabilitation treatments. You should also only work with licensed practitioners to ensure they are equipped with the proper training and skills necessary for injury rehabilitation, helping patients improve.
Listen to Your Body Too
Next, you have to listen to your body. During rehabilitation, pay attention to the signals your body sends you. Pay attention to the pain or discomfort you are feeling because this can indicate that the treatment may not be the best one to help you recover. Learn to recognize normal discomfort associated with rehabilitation treatments and the pain that aggravates the injury. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about the different types of pain you are feeling so they can provide the proper guidance. In this case, you may need to undergo a different treatment to help manage your injuries.
Start Slowly
When you need to undergo injury rehabilitation, it is best if you start slowly. This means opting for gentle exercises before gradually increasing their intensity and duration when you feel ready. Pushing yourself to do intense workouts immediately may only aggravate your injuries and the pain you are feeling. But remember, pain is not always a negative sign. Instead, you can use this as a guide to recognize areas that indicate weakness and start the treatment from there. This means using pain as a guide in choosing the best exercises or modifying your routine as you deem appropriate.
Incorporate Variety
Incorporating variety into your routine is a great way to prevent boredom and overuse injuries. Various types of exercises target different muscle groups, so you won’t have a problem with your options. But remember to consult with your healthcare practitioner first to ensure that the exercises you add to your routine will not aggravate your injuries. It would help if you also focused on functionality, opting for exercises that target the area where you are injured. When trying to incorporate variety in your rehabilitation routine, you should still start gradually, observing whether the new exercise works for you or only intensifies your pain.
In terms of the latter, it is best to discontinue the specific exercise and choose other ones instead, such as exercises that allow you to increase your range of motion without experiencing any pain. Consider incorporating yoga or meditation into your routine to help manage pain. When you practice mindfulness, you will tend to focus on the sensations in your body, noticing any discomfort. Whichever exercise you eventually opt for, know that you can adjust them accordingly, depending on the pain you are feeling and the progress you are making.
Stay Consistent
The key to recovering from an injury is staying consistent. This means sticking to the exercises prescribed to you by the professionals, even during the days when you lack the motivation to go to therapy. To stay consistent, you may need to establish small, realistic goals to guide you through your recovery journey. You may also need to create a schedule that you can follow and stick to. Aside from this, respect your rest days. While you need to be consistent with your rehabilitation routine, you must also take breaks, so pay attention to your energy levels. If you feel overly tired, it may be better for you to take a day to rest.
Nevertheless, to be consistent with your rehabilitation program, you can also find an accountability partner who will help you complete therapy. This person can be your friend or family member you are comfortable with. Share your goals with them so they know what you are trying to achieve, cheering you on accordingly. Remember that small but regular efforts contribute significantly to your healing.
Be Patient
Finally, be patient and kind to yourself. While you are recovering, ensure that you practice self-care. Sleep well, eat a balanced diet, and manage stress. All these will complement your injury rehabilitation efforts. Hence, keep track of your progress over time, noting any improvements in your strength and flexibility. If you observe any regression, coordinate with your healthcare provider, who can help reassess your case and offer the proper guidance. When you achieve a specific goal you have set, feel free to reward yourself. It doesn’t have to be grand. Even eating your favorite snack will already boost your mood.
When undergoing injury rehabilitation, you must listen to the experts and follow their advice. They are in the best position to guide you through your recovery journey. Listen to your body and start slowly with the rehabilitation process. After some time, incorporate variety in your routine and strive to stay consistent while being patient. Remember, your progress, no matter how slow, is still progress. Rest assured that you will completely recover in no time.