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Getting injured isn’t something most people anticipate. Not only can it be a destabilizing experience, but the recovery process can be long and painful. It may also be frustrating if you’re restricted from doing things that you love, such as going to the gym or playing a sport because you need time to recover. Nonetheless, when the right steps are taken, it’s possible to recover and, hopefully, get back to doing the things you love without any residual negative effects.
There are basic things you can do to ensure you’re healing and able to function properly. It’s essential that you know what these things are, as the wrong steps could worsen your injury and prolong the healing process. Keep reading to find out how you can get back on your feet after an injury.
Get the Right Support
When an injury occurs, it can be a scary experience. If you don’t have anyone to help you through the recovery process, it’s easy for feelings of loneliness and isolation to creep in. During such moments, remember that you aren’t alone, as accidents and injuries are a common occurrence among Americans.
To prove this point, sports and recreation-related injuries happened 8.6 million times in 2014. They can also happen anywhere, whether it be at home or while you’re at work. In the case that your injury took place at work, you may be entitled to compensation. This could help you stay afloat financially and cover the cost of medical bills as well as your cost of living until you’re able to get back to work.
To avoid feelings of depression or low moods while recovering, reach out to your friends and family for support. If you feel this isn’t helping, it’s possible that you could be dealing with trauma and grief. Speaking to a health professional or therapist could help improve your mental and emotional wellbeing which is just as important as your physical recovery.
Consider Natural Remedies
Pain is another aspect of an injury that you’re going to have to manage along your road to recovery. Injuries can come with severe pain and, in a worst-case scenario, even lead to chronic pain. Although this can be an unpleasant reality, try and find healthy ways to cope. Aside from using prescription drugs, there are natural remedies you can use for the pain.
One solution would be to try CBD oil, as it’s been used for thousands of years to treat pain. CBD is a compound taken from the cannabis plant that promotes health without getting you high. There are multiple ways to use CBD oil such as by ingesting it via drinks or food, dripping a controlled amount under your tongue, or adding it to a topical cream.
Another natural remedy for pain is fish oil. It’s popularly known for having anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful as inflammation plays a major role in pain. In a study where patients with neck and back pain took 1,200 milligrams of fish oil supplements daily, more than half stopped using prescription painkillers after 75 days. Other natural remedies to try are turmeric, heat therapy, and meditation.
Stay Active
While this may sound counterproductive to some, staying physically active is an essential part of recovery after an injury. Physical therapy and exercise are both useful tools that can get your body functioning again and get you back on your feet. Speak with your doctor or physical therapist about the level of activity you should be engaging in — this is especially important as you don’t want to end up pushing your body beyond its limit.
When going back to the gym after an injury, start simple and make manageable increases as you go along. It could take the same amount of time that you’ve been inactive because of your injury to recover. However, if you’ve had surgery or broken bones, it could take even longer. In the case of the latter, it may also be advisable that you master the art of exercising sitting down.
When getting back into the swing of physical activities, take your time. Putting too much strain on your body could put you at risk of further injury. To help you monitor your exercise and ensure you aren’t overworking yourself, consider using a fitness tracker or smartwatch to keep track of your vital signs.
Get Enough Rest
After enduring an injury, you may be anxious to get back to normal scheduling, but it’s important to understand that it’s a process. You should especially be getting enough physical rest, as it’s a vital part of your recovery process. Your body has endured an injury, so it needs time to heal properly so it can get back to effectively doing its job. If you’re worried about gaining too much weight or missing out on life while recovering, remember that it’s all about balance. You can still keep yourself mentally engaged and participate in moderate exercises as mentioned earlier.
Take the Right Precautions
To reduce your risks of getting injured again, it’s crucial that you take necessary precautions. For instance, it’s possible to reduce the likelihood of an office accident by using the right posture while sitting. To avoid slips and falls, be more conscious of what’s around you and avoid running, especially in slippery areas.
Recovering from an injury won’t likely be one of the easiest things you’ll do. However, with a positive attitude and playing your part in the recovery process, you should be able to get back to living an active life.
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