Fola Sutherland Independent Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner
It is a common belief that when an individual has experienced a physical injury, they should ‘rest’ and not engage in any physical exercise or sport whatsoever. Of course, in some cases, this is definitely true, when it would be physically dangerous to exercise, but this is certainly not always the case.
Comprehensive medical advice should be sought before an individual engages in any form of physical exercise or sport following serious injuries, in many instances, once medically safe, there are safe forms of physical exercise which can be highly beneficial and even support the healing process.
For example, someone who is experiencing neck pain or sciatica as a result of an accident, may – at the appropriate time post-accident, be recommended by a Doctor or Physiotherapist to engage in a programme of stretches and exercises to help alleviate their pain. This exercise programme should be properly supervised to ensure further injury is not caused and symptoms are not exacerbated.
When an individual is in recovery from injury, there are many health benefits to engaging in physical exercise, to name but a few:
- Providing pain relief (when completed correctly)
- Reducing swelling/inflammation
- Improving anxiety and low mood
- Improving sleep quality and duration
- Helping with balance and coordination
- Improving sense of wellbeing
- Increase independence/ability to engage in functional tasks
The important things to note when using exercise as a form of rehabilitation are firstly that the exercise is commenced at the right stage of recovery, when it is physiologically safe to do so. Secondly it is important to ensure that the programme or activities are recommended and supervised by a suitably trained professional such as a doctor, physiotherapist, pain management specialist and in some cases occupational therapists.
Thirdly, the programme of exercises should be suitably graded they are not causing more pain and that they work to make the body stronger and not weaker.
Lastly, when recovering it is important to understand that the process may not be linear, during the healing process it is important for individuals to listen to their bodies and to be aware of the fact that it may be necessary to take breaks from exercise or adjust programmes as priorities may change over time, and that is perfectly okay.
