Injuries will happen. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an avid gym goer or a desk jockey, your body will eventually flip you the bird and tell you enough is enough.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your fault, someone else’s fault or an accident, you’re the one left to deal with the consequences.

You could crawl into a hole and feel sorry for yourself because you’re in pain and limited physically. Or you could be positive, slow down a little and realize this is not the end of the world.

Positive thinking can lead to a faster recovery and show the world (and yourself) that you’re not easily defeated.

Since I started taking this exercise thing seriously, I’ve trained around and rehabbed through several injuries (some have been my own fault) including:

  • Torn quadriceps X 3
  • Strained hamstrings
  • Knee and ankle tendonitis
  • Sprained triceps tendon
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow
  • Right A/C joint inflammation
  • 3 herniated disks and several back spasms

Before you start rubbing your two fingers together to make the world’s smallest violin and tell me to “suck it up, wuss bag,” there’s a point to all this.

violin

I’ve learned along this exercise journey that yes, shit happens, but it’s how you deal with it that counts. Trust me, I’ve found this out the hard way.

So, next time you suffer a setback whether it’s your fault or not (I’m not here to judge) use one or all the following strategies to get back on your feet sooner after the injury bug knocks you down.

1. Ask someone who’s been there before

 

With social media, it’s super easy to make nice with health and fitness professionals around the world and Personal Trainers/Strength Coaches are usually willing to help.

With direct messaging function on sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, it’s easy to reach out and ask questions about your current predicament. When you’re asking, make sure your questions are as concise as possible to avoid possible confusion and wasting their time.

While it’s almost impossible to diagnose over the internet, they can offer suggestions on what to do because they may have encountered a client with a similar injury.

At worst, they will completely ignore your question or offer a suggestion on who else to contact.

Either way nothing ventured, nothing gained. It never hurts to ask.

2. I don’t wanna go to rehab

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUmZp8pR1uc&w=560&h=315]

Rehab is long, tedious and time consuming.   After you’ve finished, there’s barely enough time to do any of the fun stuff. Then it’s time to hit the showers and punch the clock.

During this time, you need to keep the eyes on the prize, which is your health and recovery, because it’s tempting to go straight the fun stuff and avoid your rehab exercises.

Prevent this from happening by repeating the mantra “every little bit helps.” Every rep and every set of rehab exercises will get you closer to getting healthy again.

Take yourself away from the fun stuff, just for a little while, and your body will thank you in the long run.

3. Learn some perspective

 

No matter how bad you’re feeling, someone always has it much worse than you, so stop complaining.  Stop telling everyone within ear shot that you’re hurt. The world doesn’t care.

That guy in the wheelchair doesn’t give a crap. Keep your head up, get back to work and stay positive.

 

Wrapping up

 

 Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill while you’re hurt. Be patient and make your health the number one priority.

Are you hurt? Contact me here and we can come up with a plan together.

 

 

 

 

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