Exercise programme for injury rehabilitation

One of the feel good things about a Fitness Career is being able to help people recover from injuries and illnesses.  Structuring exercise programmes that help with rehabilitation can be very rewarding.

Have you ever heard the expression “Prevention is better than cure”?  That’s the best practise to follow if you want to buffer your body against injury during intense gym workouts or sport training.  If you or a client already has an injury which is interfering with daily activities, then there are specialists who can provide an exercise prescription to help you recover fully and quickly. 

Injuries that are suffered during gym workouts or sports training practises can be caused by a number of reasons including incorrect technique, not warming up properly and inadequate footwear.  The most common injuries include: 

• Sprains and strains
• Knee injuries
• Swollen muscles
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Pain along the shin bone
• Fractures
• Dislocations. 

After an initial acute injury it’s important to follow the RICE rule (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) to alleviate pain and swelling.  Ongoing treatment of the injury will involve a set of exercises that are designed to mobilise the injured area.  Moving the injured area will facilitate healing, and the sooner this process starts the better -  under the recommended guidelines set out by your health professional e.g. physician,  physiotherapist and chiropractor.

 Scar tissue will form as your injury heals until the scar tissue begins to shrink to mend and bind the injured tissues back together.  The side effect of this process is a feeling of stiffness.  Always stretch the area, and don’t forget to warm up before you play or exercise.

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