Recovering After a Sports Injury

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If you are part of a sport, chances are you may experience a sports-related injury at some point. Treatment for an injury will depend on the specific injury and how severe it is. Still, whether you are dealing with back pain, a broken bone, a concussion, or a dislocated shoulder, you will have a recovery time. Some specific treatments and therapies may be helpful during your recovery process. 

Pain Relief

If your sports injury has resulted in significant pain, your recovery may require some pain relievers like paracetamol. On the other hand, some injuries may only need ibuprofen or creams used to alleviate pain. Although, if you have suffered from a strain or sprain, a doctor may recommend you wait 48 hours before taking ibuprofen since it can slow down your healing process. 

If you want to avoid pain relievers, you can also figure out pain management with a chiropractor. They can help alleviate your pain while aiding in a speedy recovery from your sports injury.

RICE Therapy

For minor sports injuries, like sprains or strains, you can recover by using what is known as RICE therapy for two to three days. 

RICE is an acronym that stands for rest, which means you avoid over-exerting yourself by reducing your daily physical activity. Ice, putting an ice pack on the injured area for fifteen to twenty minutes every two to three hours. Compression is when you use elastic compression bandages during the daytime to reduce the chances of swelling. And finally, elevation, when you keep the affected area raised above your heart, also helps lessen swelling.

Physiotherapy

If you suffer from a long-term injury, you will want to consider physiotherapy. This is a specialized treatment with a mix of massage, exercise, and manipulation to improve your range of motion, strengthen your muscles, and help the injured area return to its normal function. 

Immobilization

If the goal is to prevent further damage to your injury, then you may reduce your movement with immobilization. An example is a sling, splint, or cast being used to immobilize your injured arm, leg, wrist, or shoulders. By decreasing your movements, you will reduce your pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.

Suppose you are suffering from something like a sprain. In that case, long-term immobilization will not usually be necessary since it is best to lightly move the injured joint as soon as you do not experience a significant amount of pain.

Procedures and Surgery

For more severe injuries, such as broken bones, there is a chance a corrective treatment may be required. This could include surgery to fix the bones with screws, wires, plates, or screws. Although, there may be a possibility to realign the broken bones without surgery. On the other hand, injuries like a torn knee ligament will require an operation to fix it.

Recovery time after a sports injury varies depending on the damage. It could take a few days, a couple of weeks, or potentially a few months to fully recover. Be sure to allow the time necessary for your body to heal before you jump back into your sport, or else you may cause more damage.