4 Techniques that Aid Athletic Recovery

After an injury, setting aside time for recovery is critical to get back to your chosen sport. But recovery is not some one-size-fits-all bundle. It requires a merger of different techniques that target your overall health and wellness with a focus on healing.

Each of the different recovery measures take aim at both physiological and psychological adaptation and once successfully carried out, it prepares the body for the next physically stressful workout or week. Aside from the obvious of treating the specific injury as directed by medical professionals, there are basic steps every athlete can take to bring their recovery full circle.

Here are 4 of the most popular methods to improve your recovery:

  1. Massage
    Ideally, massage is something that should be used both before and after performances. Many athletes still only utilize the power of massage afterward. Taking time for massage prior to the event gets muscles ready and prevents injury while afterward, it helps them recover more quickly. After an injury, massage is still important as it can speed the circulation of blood flow and help relieve injuries more quickly.
  2. Sleep
    For recovery to truly work, athletes need to make time for proper sleep. Losing out on sleep from stress or by staying up working on physical therapy exercises will not help anything. Take the time to unwind and truly get the deep sleep your body needs to make a full recovery.
  3. Nutrition
    Eat well each day and you will find a healthier road to recovery ahead. The foods you eat should focus on giving you the optimum nutrients and nourishment even when you’re on the sidelines. This will help power you through your recovery training and help you get back to how you felt before the injury.
  4. Wear Compression Clothing
    Compression garments help reduce swelling and create a stable alignment for muscles. They also reduce inflammation and help muscles on their way to recovery. In addition to the other recovery modalities, compression clothing can be of great assistance.

Integrating these simple strategies into your routine as directed by a medical professional will certainly minimize the time you spend recovering on the sidelines, allowing you to get back to what you love faster.