So you found yourself a massage therapist or physio who you get treatment from because you got injured during sports or leisure activities or you are suffering from an overuse/repetitive stress injury from work.
Here’s 5 tips you should follow if you want to ensure that you return to activity as quickly as possible:
- Follow your therapists advice regarding the treatment plan they suggest:
You have sought the advice of someone experienced in treating people with injuries. So follow their advice regarding the treatment schedule and homecare (i.e. ice, use of Epsom salts, rest, exercise). A good therapist should not only want to treat you in their clinic but tell you what you can do yourself to recover more quickly.
- Do your exercises:
If you have been given exercises to do at home on a regular basis, follow your therapists advice and do them We’re all busy with work and homelife but it should be possible to incorporate your rehab exercises into your daily routine (ideally 3-5 times per week) for example doing your exercises whilst watching TV or maybe it’s easier for you to do them first thing in the morning so you get them out of the way.
- Get enough sleep:
Sleep is when our body recovers and heals itself, so make sure you get enough sleep. Get 7-8hrs of sleep per night and try and go to bed at a regular time, which will improve the quality of your sleep.
- Eat well:
What we put into our bodies can have a big effect on how we feel and our bodies will react negatively to certain foods or products. Drink enough water and try and stay away from processed food. Eat a healthy varied diet with lots of fruits and vegetable which are high in antioxidants. Certain foods such as turmeric, ginger, berries, oily fish, pineapples and almost and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties, make sure you include them in your diet.
- Rest if you are told do so:
If your therapist has told you to rest, not train and take it easy, take their advice. Most therapists who regularly treat recreational athletes and sports and fitness enthusiasts will only really tell you to rest when absolutely necessary for your recovery so head their advice.