Did you just turn your ankle? Are you having foot surgery? Did you tear a rotator cuff? So often when injured, people think they have to stop and rest but there are many benefits to staying active and training other areas of the body. 

When we think of exercise, we often associate it with staying fit, losing weight, or building muscle. However, what many people overlook is the profound impact exercise can have on our overall recovery, both physically and mentally, especially when we are injured. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of continuing to exercise while injured, from a recovery and mental health perspective.

Benefits for Recovery

  1. Improved circulation and reduced inflammation: Engaging in moderate exercise increases blood flow, delivering oxygen to injured tissues. This helps to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process.
  2. Maintaining muscle strength and mobility: When we’re injured, it’s common to experience muscle loss and reduced range of motion. By incorporating specific exercises that target unaffected areas or work around the injury, we can preserve muscle strength and prevent further mobility loss.
  3. Enhancing bone density: Certain types of low-impact classes at BDI, such as Building Better Bones Dance, Low Impact Cardio, Cardio Interval Training, or Guided Movement can help maintain or improve bone density, a crucial factor for injury recovery—especially for individuals with conditions like osteoporosis or stress fractures.
  4. Prevention of secondary injuries: By strengthening the surrounding muscles and stabilizing the injured area, exercise can help prevent compensatory movements that may lead to secondary injuries during recovery.

Benefits for Mental Health

  1. Stress relief and mood enhancement: Injuries can be emotionally challenging, leading to frustration, depression, and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, our body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals, which can help alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being.
  2. Maintenance of routine and identity: Being unable to engage in our regular physical activities due to injury can leave us feeling disoriented, as physical activity often contributes to our sense of identity. Continuing to exercise, even in modified ways, allows us to maintain a sense of routine and connection to our physical selves.
  3. Empowerment and motivation: Staying active during the recovery process can provide a sense of empowerment and control over our body. Achieving small exercise milestones can boost our confidence, motivation, and overall resilience during these challenging times.
  4. Social support and community: Engaging in exercise, such as joining a modified group class or physical therapy sessions, can provide opportunities for social support and foster a sense of community among individuals going through similar recovery journeys.

Conclusion

While it’s crucial to prioritize rest and follow medical advice when injured, incorporating appropriate exercise into our recovery plan can bring about numerous benefits, both physically and mentally. From helping speed up the healing process to providing emotional support and resilience, exercise truly has the power to aid our recovery journey and uplift our spirits. Always consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to develop an exercise plan tailored to your specific injury and recovery needs. Remember, your injury doesn’t have to hinder your progress; it can be a part of your transformative healing process.

Know more, be well with Body Dynamics.