A knee sprain is a serious injury that can keep you out of action for an extended period of time. However, once you’re healed, it’s safe to say that you want to return to the life you enjoy. And for many people, that means ramping up activity once again.
If you push too hard, too soon, you could reaggravate your injury and find yourself back at square one. Here are some tips that can help you avoid a setback:
• Start slow: Don’t dive back in at full speed after a knee sprain. Slowly increase the intensity and duration of your exercise until you’re back to where you want to be.
• Warm up and stretch: This is good practice no matter if you’re coming off a knee sprain or not. However, when you’re getting back on track after an injury, it’s even more important.
• Wear a protective brace: This isn’t something you have to do, but it can help prevent your knee from moving in the wrong direction. And with that, you reduce the risk of another sprain.
Doing the above will go a long way in helping you ramp up activity after a knee sprain, all while reducing the risk of a follow up injury. Remember, when it comes to your health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.