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Having recently sustained multiple injuries in a car accident, I know it’s imperative to be gentle to your body during the healing process. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way…yeah, I’m a driven woman, who doesn’t like to be down for long. The good news is that there are plenty of post-injury exercises to promote healing. I recommend that you, first, listen to your doctor. Second, find what helps you to feel good, stay active, and doesn’t hurt. The following exercises have been extremely helpful to me during my recovery time.
Post-Injury Exercises To Promote Healing #1: Yoga
You may think that recovering after an injury is simply lounging on the couch all day. Guess again. Gentle movement is important to keep blood flow optimal and muscles and organs happy. Yoga is one of the most effective gentle exercises you can do for health in general. It is also helpful for injury recovery.
Again, consider what your doctor told you and choose each pose wisely. A beginner video or lesson may be in order if you’ve never practiced yoga before your injury. It’s important to listen to your body and only do that which benefits you where you are in your healing.
Post-Injury Exercises To Promote Healing #2: Tai Chi or Qi-Gong
For balance improvement and strength, you can also try Tai Chi or Qi-Gong. These forms are widely used for many types of recovery and therapy as well as for relaxation and wellness. They complement many other therapies like plantar fasciitis treatment, chiropractic, reflexology, and acupuncture. I find these practices improve posture, balance, and the way I stand and walk. If you have a problem putting pressure on your feet or staying supported while doing other forms of exercise, Tai Chi or Qi-Gong are a perfect way to stay active without risking further injury.
Post-Injury Exercises To Promote Healing #3: Walking
Walking is a gentle form of exercise for any time but is especially helpful during recovery times. Start small and work up to greater distances as you can. If you have joint issues, you might even try Nordic Walking, which moves more muscle groups than the regular form of exercise. It helps you gradually build leg, thigh, and shoulder strength, so you can support your weight when you start other forms of exercise later.
Post-Injury Exercises To Promote Healing #4: Swimming
Swimming is a good choice if you need to avoid pressure on your back and spine but still want to exercise every muscle in your body. Even if you don’t know how to swim, simply moving in the water creates resistance. This gentle form of movement allows you to get a cardio workout as well as mild muscle toning. There are different styles for various injuries, so you should talk to a rehabilitation expert to find out which one suits your recovery goals the most.
Post-Injury Exercises To Promote Healing #5: Warmups and Stretching
No matter what type of exercise you are starting after an accident or injury, it is important to warm up and cool down. One warm-up staple is stretching. Also, keep in mind that stretching may all you can do in the beginning. But, if you stay consistent, you should be able to move to the next level as your doctor permits. Stretching promotes blood flow and muscle healing without taxing injured joints, bones, or other parts of the body. Take 5-10 minutes a couple times a day to stretch out stiff muscles and joints.
One last word of advice: don’t push things too fast or too hard. You will ultimately set yourself back if you do. Remember, I learned from experience. Certain injuries take longer to heal and are much more complex. Don’t play a guessing game with your health and body. Get professional advice from your doctor, physical therapist, or other types of physical trainers before you do anything.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
