Tag Archives: injury

Coping With A Disabling Injury In Your Life

Injuries happen. We’re all likely to experience one, some way or another, at some point in our life. However, some can be a lot more serious and a lot more long-term. If you have experienced a debilitating injury, one that results in some level of disability, then you might find that your life has flipped around and you’re not sure how to carry on with it. However, here are some of the ways you can adjust and maintain as much of your independence as possible.

man holding walking cane, disabled, injured, injury, healing

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Talking about the road to recovery

If your disability is temporary, then it’s important to know that there might be options to help you recover your range of motion and your independence more quickly. To that end, aside from keeping up with your doctor’s recommendations, you may want to ask about talking to a rehabilitative physiotherapist who can find the mixture of exercise and recovery methods to boost your road to recovery. You might also want to think about talking to someone about the emotional side of your health, as well. Aside from the trauma of an accident, there are negative emotions that can hold onto when we have trouble doing the things we once used to do quite easily.

Getting compensation for your injuries

If you’ve experienced a disabling injury, it is important that you seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. For example, if you sustained injuries due to a dog bite, then an experienced dog bite lawyer can help you recover any damages that are owed to you related to your injuries and other losses incurred due to the incident. Cases like these are complex and require a licensed attorney’s expertise to ensure you’re getting the compensation you deserve. In addition, if your injury was caused by another person or entity’s negligence, seeking legal representation can also help protect your long-term interests and ensure that you receive the full compensation owed to you. This is especially important if you’ve experienced a severely disabling injury that has caused long-term health implications.

Finding the aids to help you live freely

If you have trouble moving around by yourself, then it can certainly get in the way of your freedom and independence. You might have to rely on others more, but that doesn’t mean that you have to rely on them entirely. You may be able to make use of mobility aids that can not only improve your independence but may also reduce pain, leading to a better quality of life as well as increased confidence. This doesn’t just mean wheelchairs or canes, either. Orthotics and prosthetics can be a huge help for those who have experienced foot or leg injuries, allowing them to walk with some adjustments. Talk to your doctor about the mobility aids that might best suit your needs.

Adjusting the home to your needs

Aside from using the equipment that helps you get around, you might also want to think about how you can better suit the home to your needs. For instance, you might find it harder to get up the stairs than usual, so you could look at installing something like a stairlift in your home to help you reach all the rooms that you want. Otherwise, you might look at moving your bedroom downstairs and making sure that you have access to all that you need where you can reach. There are plenty of guides for adapting key areas of the home such as the bathroom and kitchen so that you can use them independently, so it’s worth looking them up.

The specifics of how you face your disability is largely going to depend on the specifics of your injury. However, talk with your doctor, with mobile aid providers, and with others who specialize in helping those who are living with disability and you are certain to start seeing change.

Top Tips to Help You Recover From a Fitness Injury

Couple treating a leg injury, fitness, exercise, running, injured, recovery, rest

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Whether you have pulled a muscle, are suffering from shin splints, or have torn your ACL you must take the right steps when you are looking to get back into your fitness journey. You can’t just jump straight back to where you were before, regardless of how keen you are. You will have to take it slow and take intentional steps forward. If you go too far ahead, you may make your injury worse, which will mean you cannot exercise at all, or worse, you may need surgical intervention

If you are ready to jump back into fitness after an injury, here are some top tips to help you on your way. 

#1 Speak with your doctor 

Before you do anything, you must speak to your doctor and ask for their advice. They will be able to examine you and tell you if you are ready to exercise again, or if you should give it more time. They may also be able to provide you with advice that is tailored to your situation which ensures you make the progress that you desire.

If you start to exercise again and experience intense pain or discomfort, you should go back to your doctor immediately for support and advice. 

#2 Work with a professional 

Depending on your injury, it can be helpful to find a professional who specializes in your kinds of injury, such as a physiotherapist or a sports medical professional. They will have extensive knowledge, skills, and techniques that they can share with you and apply to your unique situation. The aim of working with a professional when you have an injury is to help you stretch and strengthen the injured area, so you are physically prepared to get back into exercise or your chosen activity. 

#3 Prepare your mindset 

Once you have been cleared by a medical professional, you must work on your mindset. You should start by considering what prompted your injury. This can often be because of technique, overworking yourself, or not paying full attention to your actions. Make sure you are aware of this and consider what you can do next time you are exercising so you can avoid injuring yourself again, or making the one you currently have worse. 

If you used to exercise or take part in an activity regularly, you will have to adjust your mindset as your experience will be completely different this time. You may have to take it slower, do less than you are used to, rest more, wear protective gear, and more. It is important that you set realistic expectations before you start exercising, so you know what to expect and don’t get frustrated with yourself. This will ensure you do it properly and with care. You should also ensure that you stay positive throughout the experience and remember that your injury is only temporary. 

#4 Equip yourself 

It is important to equip yourself when you are recovering from an injury and begin exercising again. Depending on what activities you like to do and what body part you have injured, you may need to invest in specialist equipment. This can be anything from resistance bands, supportive shoes, or an AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill

Make sure you have all the correct gear to complete the exercises safely and within your limits. Equipment can be a great way to ease your way into it and strengthen your body

#5 Take it slow

You must exercise slowly when you first get back into it. Remember that you will not be able to go as fast or as hard as you wanted to before. You will need to think about the positive mindset that you have built, as you will need to start back from the beginning again. For example, if you used to run 5 kilometers, you won’t be able to jump straight back in. You will need to start small, perhaps with small walks, then longer walks as you increase your distance. This will help you build strength before you progress to jogging. 

#6 Be patient with yourself 

The most important part of recovering from an injury is being patient with yourself. It can be extremely frustrating when you are not exercising at the same pace as before. This frustration can often lead to rushing the process and exacerbating the pain and discomfort of your injury. Be patient with yourself and take your time.

Recovering from a fitness injury can be difficult. Follow these top tips to help you with your progress.

The Lowdown on Lower Back Pain

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Many people experience lower back pain throughout their lives. There are many things that can cause this pain. This post delves into the different causes and the best forms of treatment for those experiencing pain.

What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain is typically the result of the base of the spine being unable to support the weight above, causing a strain. It can also be due to poor posture when sitting or lifting. A few common causes of lower back pain include:

  • Being overweight
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Heavy lifting with poor form
  • Natural deterioration with age (although lifestyle can delay this)

What are the best ways to treat lower back pain?

If you experience lower back pain, there may be a few different ways in which you can reduce the pain:

Take anti-inflammatory medicines

Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can be effective against mild back pain. More serious pain may require prescription medication. It is also possible to take herbal medication – the likes of turmeric and devil’s claw could be worth trying if you want a break from pills or if you’re looking for a supplementary form of pain relief. 

See a chiropractor

Spinal manipulation may help to reduce pain if you are experiencing lower back pain. This treatment should always be performed by a qualified chiropractor. Look for chiropractic clinics in your area and book an appointment. 

Get a massage

A massage can help to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension, all in all helping to combat inflammation and pain. Your best option when dealing with lower back pain is to book a professional massage at a clinic. It is possible to massage your own lower back using a foam roller or tennis ball. You can learn how to do this online. 

Quit smoking

Smokers are nearly three times as likely to experience lower back pain. This is because smoking can increase inflammation and inhibit bone healing, making small strains and injuries more painful and harder to recover from. By quitting smoking, you could find that your pain reduces. 

Lose weight

Carrying extra weight on the upper half of your body puts more strain on your lower back. This isn’t so much of a problem if the extra weight is muscles as the muscle will be able to support this extra weight. However, if the extra weight is fat and you’ve not got much muscle mass, you can expect your spine to take the strain. Losing weight could help to reduce the strain on your spine. It’s worth exercising your core – not just to help lose weight, but to build muscle in and around your lower back. 

Correct your posture

If you’re constantly leaning forward over a desk, your lower back is more likely to get strained. Get into a habit of sitting up straight while at a desk by adjusting your seat properly. The same goes for driving. Posture is also important when lifting heavy things – instead of bending at your waist, try to always bend your knees and keep your back straight to minimize strain.