Exercise after Injury

Thanks Kasey for your comment! I LOVE reader comments and you help to motivate me, too.
Kasey asked me to do a post on returning to exercise after injury.
Everybody is different and each injury is different.

First of all, you have to take care of the injury with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. (RICE as those in the medical field know it)

Second you have to listen to your body. If it hurts, don't do it. I will always remember my dad for that one.
Once there is no pain or swelling, you have full range of motion, you have almost all your strength back in the injured area (compared to the opposite appendage) you are safe to return to exercise or training.

Third, return slowly! You may feel great and stable, but strength may have been lost and it could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months to regain the strength that was lost.

Obviously I am no doctor, and so this should be taken as a general guideline. Your doctor will give you more detailed instruction and you should follow Dr. first.

Non-weight bearing exercises such as swimming, biking, water aerobics, and weight training of the non-injured area is a good way to keep up your strength while you are waiting for your body to heal. Again, you should always ask your doctor if it would be appropriate to participate in any of these activities.

Remember to always stretch and do a warm-up of about 5 minutes before starting any exercising to warm up the muscles. This will help prevent injury during exercise.