Below are nine things I learned the hard way that I hope you can learn the easiest way.
1. Focus on prevention and preparation as the basis.
The absolute best way to come back from an injury is to not have one in the first place. The better you take care of your body from the start, the better off you will be in the long run.
Prevention and preparedness overlap to some extent, although there are some differences. I see prevention as the basis for avoiding injury – all the things you can do to make your body stronger and more resilient to withstand the forces of training. For me, I found that involved incorporating strength work to balance my mobility and focusing on recruiting the right muscle groups. Preparation is preparing your body to do the work you ask of it. It might look like incorporating a solid warm-up, slowly increasing the length of long runs, or making sure your body is rested and hydrated before taking on a tough workout.
Of course, as I mentioned earlier, injuries can happen, even when you follow all the preventative steps and do everything you can to prepare your body. And that’s why it’s so important to focus on the positives of what you can learn from the experience – yes, whatever comes under it –.
2. Ask for help when something is wrong.
Correct and informed diagnosis is crucial. Whether you see a sports doctor, orthopaedist, physiotherapist, acupuncturist, or a combination of these, getting qualified help as soon as possible is key to getting back to your modality of choice.
If your insurance allows it, I advise you to go directly to one of these specialists rather than to a general practitioner or general practitioner. For example, if I have a problem with my foot, I go directly to a podiatrist. This often streamlines the process and tends to be a better use of time/money/co-pays. It’s no big deal for GPs: they exist for a reason, but they’re trained in general issues and concerns, and may not understand the intricacies of your sport or how to diagnose a given injury. .
Pursuing the right pro can also include finding a mental health professional, especially if a big part of your life, work, or joy is tied to your workout modalities. Depression and anxiety can accompany injuries, especially those that take longer to heal. Seeking advice early can help you manage the feelings that come with the injury or the recovery process.
During my first years, I had a hard time seeking out professionals for my injuries: I was afraid that they would tell me to stop all my activities for good. Now I have a great team of people I trust to prove me right and help me start the road to recovery.
3. Analyze the data your injury gives you.
Data is your friend! Spoken like a real doctor, but seriously, listen to me on this: Injuries of all kinds (acute or chronic) will give you data, and that data is incredibly useful. Maybe he’s telling you that you’re overdoing it. Or maybe one side of your body is hurt more than the other because you’ve been prioritizing it for too long.
