In the United States, about 3.5 million sports injuries occur each year. If you’ve experienced injuries from sports, you know how important downtime and recuperation is. You also may know how easy it is to go stir-crazy sitting around waiting for sport injuries to heal.
This is where sports medicine, massage therapy, and low-key activities can help you pass the time. From books to podcasts, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do while recovering from a sports injury.
Table of Contents
1. Get a Sports Injury Massage
A massage for sports injury is one of the best things you can do for your body. Sports injuries take a toll on your body. With a massage at Deep Tissue Studio, you’ll notice pain relief, fewer muscle cramps, and an increase in mobility.
Unwind and let your body relax and heal. Wellness experts and trained therapists know how to help your body heal from injuries from sports. Sports medicine and deep tissue massage are a great pair to help you recover faster and feel less pain.
2. Catch Up on Sleep
Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body and recovery. Since you may not be able to get up early and work out, run, or go for a walk yet, this is the time to take advantage of sleep. Rest your body and get as much sleep as you can.
Sleep is the one time of day our body gets to rest and restore itself. Your muscles get a break as well as your injury. Enjoy a little more sleep than you may usually allow yourself.
If you’re an early riser, try going to bed earlier. Set an alarm if you need to at night time. This will remind you it’s time to shut down and head to bed early.
If you prefer staying up late, sleep you when may have normally been doing a morning workout. Even relaxing in bed with a book or throwing on a meditation is a good way to rest your body if sleeping in isn’t in the cards.
3. Read
With a little more time to lay low and take it easy, recovery is a great opportunity to read more. Choose a series you’ve always wanted to get into or check out a new author. This is the time to heal, rest, and enjoy non-physical activities.
If you aren’t normally a reader, try a book club, or look online for book club recommendations. You can read up on the sports you love or try an inspirational story from an athlete.
Audiobooks are also great options. You can listen while you drive, while you lay low and rest, or on a light walk if you’re able. Take the time to rest your injury and fill in the extra space on your calendar with a good book. You won’t regret it and your body will feel better for it.
4. Swim or Hydrotherapy
If your doctor allows you to, swimming or hydrotherapy has many benefits. Take a light swim, plunge into a cold pool, or relax in a hot tub. Try a steam shower or sauna visit as well. This will help relax your muscles and ease the pain.
Swimming is also a low-impact exercise that you may be able to try depending on your injuries. If it’s getting difficult to stay inactive, speak with your doctor about swimming or other water activities.
5. Listen to a New Podcast or Audio Book
If you need some time to relax and let your body heal, a podcast might be a great fit. There’s a podcast about almost all genres, themes, hobbies, and special interests. You’ll find a podcast about anything you like to learn about or listen to.
There are podcasts about mysteries, books, television reviews, parenting, sports, and fitness, just to name a few. If you need to recuperate and rest your injuries, give a podcast a try. The same goes for audiobooks.
An audiobook is a recording of someone reading a book out loud. You can listen whenever and wherever you want. Audiobooks are great for needing to fill time or take it easy after a sports injury.
6. Organize a Trip or Plan Travel
When you’re down with a sports injury, you probably need something to lift your spirits. This is a great time to plan a trip for when you’re better. Trip planning takes time and it’s hard to squeeze into a busy schedule.
While you’re waiting for your injury to heal, take advantage of the time off. Start planning a trip to look forward to. Organize your itinerary, research new locations, and shop for hotels and airfare.
7. Answer Emails and Catch Up on Work
If you’re resting from a sports injury, you may not be able to commute to work. Use this extra time to get ahead. Whether it’s a work project you’re procrastinating or a large email inbox, use this time to get stuff done.
Set aside some relaxing time to get extra work done. You won’t be upset that you finally got ahead, got work projects done, and got your emails cleaned out. When you’re back to your normal activity level you’ll be relieved this is done.
8. Tackle a Light Organization Project
While you are recuperating, you may be able to take on a small organization project. Use this extra downtime to organize a closet, donate unused items, or get a home project completed.
Take the extra time you have to finally get an organization project done at home. Whether you spend days or just a few hours on a project, you’ll be glad you did.
Take Care of Your Sport Injuries Today
Sport injuries often require downtime to heal. This is difficult for athletes who are used to staying busy and active. This is where massage therapy and boredom busters can help you pass the time and take care of yourself.
Take the time you need to relax and let your body heal after a sports injury. For more fitness, health, and wellness tips, head to the blog section. You’ll find resources, guides, and more to help you on your health and fitness journey.
