This is a great question. While it's tempting to push through the pain to stay active, working out or returning to your sport with an injury is a decision that should be approached with care. A physical therapist can help you find a balance between rest and a safe, active recovery.

​

• During the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury, it's generally recommended to rest from activities that cause pain. However, this doesn't mean staying completely still. You should continue to move the injured area through a pain-free range of motion with gentle, light movements. This helps to reduce inflammation and stiffness while encouraging a faster recovery.

​

• Beyond the Initial Phase: The goal is to keep moving without causing pain. A physical therapist can guide you on which exercises and movements are safe for your specific injury. The key is to listen to your body and avoid any exercise that causes sharp, lasting, or increasing pain.

​

• The Importance of Pain-Free Movement: If you work out or return to your sport and a certain movement causes pain, your body will instinctively start to compensate. This is where you might change your gait or favor one side, which can put stress on other areas and potentially lead to a new injury down the road.

​

• Your Return to Play: A safe return to your sport requires a gradual, guided progression. We'll work with you not just to get you pain-free, but also to ensure you are ready for the specific demands of your sport and can perform without risk of re-injury.

​

Your physical therapist can guide you on the right path to a full recovery and help you get back to your routine and your sport without risking further harm.