Strength Train Your Way Back to Health

After an injury, it can be easy to slip into a restful routine. And, exercising after an injury can seem scary if you are worried about a re-injury. 

However, strengthening exercises are a very important part of your recovery. Whether it’s instructions on a handout from your doctor or exercises your physical therapist demonstrated during a session, retraining your body is a necessary part of getting back to your regular routine. 

When you’re ready, your doctor or physical therapist will work with you on exercises to help you gain:

• Endurance 
• Flexibility
• Range of motion
• Stability
• Strength

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says stretching and strengthening exercises are important because as damaged tissue heals, scar tissue forms and shrinks as it brings tissues back together.

The scar tissue can make your injury become stiff or tight, which can end up leading to another injury.

Though you’ll want to get the OK from your health care provider first, getting your injured parts moving as soon as possible is a great way to speed the healing process. 

Don’t jump back into your routine at full speed, but carefully follow the instructions you’re given by your doctor or physical therapist. By easing into strengthening exercises – and increasing or changing them as instructed – you’ll follow a quicker, more healthful path to recovery.

For more information about strength exercises after an injury, talk with your doctor or visit www.PremierPhysicianNet.com/sportsmed to find a physician.