Recovering from injury in exercise
As an exercise therapist, I see a lot of movement-related and maladaptive-use injuries and I support people to change their habits and patterns to help the body recover (and prevent future injury).
Often, in my experience, people don’t realise that their body’s movements have changed so much over time and that they differ wildly from how they might have moved really well when they were young children. When supporting people who want to improve the function of their bodies, it’s so important that I discourage any thoughts that they shouldn’t have done something or that this is their ‘fault’ – that way of thinking doesn’t help anyone. Instead, we work with what we have and accept that every body will have adapted its use for valid reasons and that there is no blame in that.
There are three main things that I focus on when supporting people who are recovering from or want to prevent injury when exercising:
1. Start with what is working well. I like to work on a strengths-based model of building on what is already working well. In my experience, people with injuries can get a bit downcast and feel like nothing is their bodies is working well. This is often more a temporary mindset than anything permanent. I support people to notice all the ways that the body works well and build on that. For example, if someone has a hip injury or some lasting discomfort in that area, we focus on all the daily activities that can still be performed, albeit in an adapted way, and how other areas of the body have adapted to compensate; this shows that the body can change and that progress in the right direction can be made.
2. Look at what is above and/or below the site of pain, discomfort or weakness. In my experience, it is rarely the site of pain that is the sole problem. For example, if it’s your knee that is experiencing pain, discomfort or weakness, take a look at the hips/buttocks/core as well as the ankles and feet: you might notice some adapted movement or usage and realise that the knee is the ‘referred’ site of pain/discomfort. As an exercise therapist, I would essentially leave the knee alone and identify the adapted movement patterns, to bring awareness, as well as suggest ways for the surrounding sites to move more effectively and build strength.
3. Be consistent. And I’ll add to that to be patient too. Change can take a long time and it can feel really frustrating when ‘results’ aren’t noticed immediately. But I remind clients that adapted movement takes a long time to establish itself and it will likely take time to re-establish patterns and habits. Consistency is the most important elements in change: if you are consistent and persistent, you will eventually notice positive change.
One of the best parts of being an exercise therapist is witnessing when my clients notice how much better their body moves and how old and persistent injuries, pain and discomfort melt away. It’s really rewarding working with bodies as, more often that not, they want to change and improve – and heal themselves.
If you would like to work with me, get in touch.
Often, in my experience, people don’t realise that their body’s movements have changed so much over time and that they differ wildly from how they might have moved really well when they were young children. When supporting people who want to improve the function of their bodies, it’s so important that I discourage any thoughts that they shouldn’t have done something or that this is their ‘fault’ – that way of thinking doesn’t help anyone. Instead, we work with what we have and accept that every body will have adapted its use for valid reasons and that there is no blame in that.
There are three main things that I focus on when supporting people who are recovering from or want to prevent injury when exercising:
- Start with what is working well.
- Look at what is above and/or below the site of pain, discomfort or weakness.
- Be consistent.
1. Start with what is working well. I like to work on a strengths-based model of building on what is already working well. In my experience, people with injuries can get a bit downcast and feel like nothing is their bodies is working well. This is often more a temporary mindset than anything permanent. I support people to notice all the ways that the body works well and build on that. For example, if someone has a hip injury or some lasting discomfort in that area, we focus on all the daily activities that can still be performed, albeit in an adapted way, and how other areas of the body have adapted to compensate; this shows that the body can change and that progress in the right direction can be made.
2. Look at what is above and/or below the site of pain, discomfort or weakness. In my experience, it is rarely the site of pain that is the sole problem. For example, if it’s your knee that is experiencing pain, discomfort or weakness, take a look at the hips/buttocks/core as well as the ankles and feet: you might notice some adapted movement or usage and realise that the knee is the ‘referred’ site of pain/discomfort. As an exercise therapist, I would essentially leave the knee alone and identify the adapted movement patterns, to bring awareness, as well as suggest ways for the surrounding sites to move more effectively and build strength.
3. Be consistent. And I’ll add to that to be patient too. Change can take a long time and it can feel really frustrating when ‘results’ aren’t noticed immediately. But I remind clients that adapted movement takes a long time to establish itself and it will likely take time to re-establish patterns and habits. Consistency is the most important elements in change: if you are consistent and persistent, you will eventually notice positive change.
One of the best parts of being an exercise therapist is witnessing when my clients notice how much better their body moves and how old and persistent injuries, pain and discomfort melt away. It’s really rewarding working with bodies as, more often that not, they want to change and improve – and heal themselves.
If you would like to work with me, get in touch.