No matter how careful you are, mistakes happen. Whether you trip while chasing a soccer ball, step into a gopher hole in your back yard, or get rear-ended at a stoplight, accidents can cause painful injuries. After sustaining an injury through work or play, you may find that you need to take extra caution to get yourself back in peak condition.
Immediate Responses
When you hurt yourself, whether you have a minor issue like spraining your ankle or a more severe one like breaking your arm or tearing your meniscus, there are some immediate steps that can help mitigate pain. Resting, icing, and elevating your injured body part above your heart may help keep the swelling down.
Mid-term Responses
Should your injury require more attention than just a week of being gentle with ice and over-the-counter painkillers, you may need physical therapy Valrico FL in order to get yourself back to full functionality. Rehabilitation for more significant injuries might need extra care and specific exercises in order to move your body without aggravating the injury further.
Long-term Responses
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may find that your shoulder or knee now feels tired more quickly or you have the propensity to re-injure it more easily. It is important to pay close attention to your body and take frequent breaks if you feel that you are at risk of pushing yourself too far.
When you sustain an injury, either due to negligence on your part or another party, you may find yourself having to treat your body with much more care than you are accustomed to. Take care to give your body rest immediately afterward, work with a professional to help you repair your ability to move functionally, and keep yourself safe in the months and weeks to follow.