When the worst happens, and you get an injury, what action should you take?
- A lot depends on the severity of the injury and this is where it becomes vital to listen to your body – there is no point trying to ‘be tough’ and run through an injury. You are likely to do more harm than good.
- If an injury is making it too painful to exercise then rest is the best way forward, and remember the first aiders’ favourite acronym: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation).
- If the injury is not too painful, then you may be able to do some gentle exercise to see if that relieves the problem.
- Anti-inflammatory medication – such as ibuprofen tablets, gels or sprays – may help reduce the pain but they may also mask the injury leading to further damage.
- Timing your first visit to a physio can be tricky. Financially, you may want to postpone and you might feel it is a sign of weakness to go too quickly, but on the other hand, delaying may lead to further problems as other parts of your body take the strain.
- Pete Quartly advises seeing a professional when a niggle won’t go. “If it’s still bothering you after a week, book an appointment!”
- “One session early on can save you a lot of money down the line,” says Pete. “And you can always get your money’s worth by asking for general advice about your biomechanics which will help with injury prevention.”