The steps for recovering from a sports injury

Participating in a sports activity is an ideal way to get valuable exercise while doing something enjoyable. Sports help make lifelong fitness a welcome and fun goal. But even the best athletes can suffer an injury. It only takes a moment to slip and tear the ACL, the key ligament in the knee, which leads to a long recovery. No matter whether it is tennis elbow, a strained hamstring or other sports related injury, it can be both an emotional and physically painful experience.

Dealing with the injury
The first step to dealing with a sports injury is to acknowledge that it exists. It may be tempting to try to play through the pain or hope the pain goes away, but the better way to deal with an injury is to have a doctor provide an expert medical opinion as soon as possible. Learning all that you can about how the injury happened and how it can be treated can greatly reduce anxiety. Instead of lamenting over the loss, focus on taking steps to get the care needed to overcome the injury. Take responsibility for the injury by acknowledging that there is a problem and pushing yourself to undergo an effective plan for recovery. Set realistic goals by speaking with the doctor and therapists. Be sure to ask about alternative ways to remain fit during the time of recovery to avoid deconditioning.

Getting medical treatment
Start with a trip to your doctor who may refer you to another specialist or specialists depending upon the injury. The role of these physicians is to examine the injury and come up with a plan to medically treat the injury. This may mean something as minor as wearing a brace to something as major as having a surgical repair. Ask questions about the treatment and the recovery expectations. Be clear about your role in the process of recovery. Work closely with your physician to manage pain, swelling and wound issues. Make a commitment to complete the treatment needed.

Starting a period of rehabilitation
Once the physician has given the approval, it is time to begin restoring motion and strength to the injured area. Physical therapists usually handle this stage of recovery. The important thing is to continue a team approach between the therapist, physician and patient. The areas to be addressed should include flexibility, range of motion, functional strength, control and inflammation. With careful monitoring of these factors, an effective rehabilitation can occur.

Returning to the sport
Once the injury has been addressed to the point where function is normal, it is time to start developing the special qualities needed for a specific sport. Sports conditioning specialists are often the best choice in this situation. The goal is to restore function to the point where competition is now once again possible. This may mean addressing other parts of the body beyond the injured area since peak fitness is required to carry out many sports activities. Again, it is important to keep in touch with all the professionals who are working on your recovery from the doctor to the therapist. By getting input from everyone, the optimum plan for recovery can be developed. It is also important to ask for guidance on how to avoid being injured again and follow the recommendations.

More than healing
The key to returning to the sports field is to remember that there is more to recovery than healing a torn muscle. There needs to be a conscious effort to address rehabilitation to get back to normal and then to tackle competitive fitness goals. Finding the best environment for this focused team approach can be challenging. One of the best options for recovery is choosing to stay in a short-term rehabilitation center where progress can be continually monitored and adjusted daily. One of the best places to find this level of expertise is Whitehall of Deerfield.

Whitehall of Deerfield, the area’s premier post-hospital rehabilitation center, has consistently received Medicare’s highest rating in Medicare’s five-star rating system of nursing and rehabilitation centers, making it one of the best options for recovery in the area. The expert staff is dedicated to providing the highest standards of customer service and clinical care.

In addition to exceptional care, Whitehall of Deerfield will provide you with world-class accommodations and amenities to make your stay comfortable. Attentive concierge service, daily delivery of Starbucks coffee and a newspaper to your room, valet parking for your visitors, Wi-Fi, and a Wellness Spa are just a few of the many services offered during a stay at Whitehall of Deerfield. Meals from a diverse menu can be taken in the privacy of your room or in the elegant dining room. Gourmet coffee, freshly-baked goods and ice cream refreshments are also available to all guests.

The staff at Whitehall of Deerfield strives to address every guest’s needs in luxurious surroundings giving your stay a world-class feel. To learn more about Whitehall of Deerfield, visit whitehallofdeerfield.com or call 847-945-4600.