No matter what you’re playing, a sports injury can make or break your entire athletic season. If you’re looking for sports medicine Mississauga ON is a great place to start, but you’ve got to put in the effort to get well. Here are a few self-care tips to speed along your recovery.
Get Enough Rest
Your body is actively trying to heal from an injury, so you need to give yourself enough opportunity to recover. Sleep is one of the major ways the body repairs itself, so make sure you take advantage of your downtime and stay on a regular sleep schedule. Alongside plenty of sleep, you need to keep certain physical activities to a minimum; don’t perform any movements that put a strain on your injured body part. There will be plenty of time for you to get back in the game later if you take care of your injury now.
Don’t Skip Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most important parts of recovering from a sports injury. Don’t skip appointments or avoid seeing your doctor, and don’t try to tough the injury out at home. You’re going to need assistance in rehabilitating your injured body parts and regaining mobility and control, so why not get it from the experts? Make sure you set enough time aside during the week to see your physical therapist, and choose one that you’re completely comfortable with. If there are any complications or changes, let your physical therapist and regular doctor know right away.
Nourish Your Body
During the healing process, your body is burning through a lot of resources at once. Vitamins, proteins, minerals, electrolytes, water and almost anything else you consume will be used to help your body repair whatever has been damaged, so make sure your diet is filled with nourishing foods. Plenty of lean protein, leafy greens, colorful produce and whole grains should make up the majority of what you eat; make sure you’re also drinking plenty of water, somewhere between 12 and 15 cups a day.
It can be stressful and frustrating to sit on the bench while your injury heals, but giving yourself time to recover can ultimately spare you permanent damage in the long run. Remember: it’s okay to take it easy while your body is healing! Get enough rest, nourish your body with healthy fuel and don’t neglect your physical therapy appointments. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.
