5 Tips to Dealing with an Injury

Today, despite the rain, it’s a ground breaking day for me – and maybe for you too.

I’ve been working with a shoulder injury for about year now. I’ve rested it, stretched, practiced yoga, gotten massage, acupuncture, chiropractor adjustments, the works – finally today I felt as back to my “normal” yoga practice as I have in a long time. Yes, I still feel my shoulder at times so I know it’s not fully gone, BUT the great news is that it’s feeling stronger. I feel stronger.

It’s amazing how that simple fact makes me feel better, a lot better. I got home after sweating my butt off in a packed Vinyasa class in Nyack and started dancing around my apt! That’s how I know I’m feeling better. FINALLY!

It’s taken a while, but anyone suffering from an injury can relate to my struggle.

Here are 5 tips to working with an injury:

1)   Patience is the key to dealing with all injuries. I know, you probably hear this all the time, but you have to go inside and have a small conversation with yourself. Maybe it goes something like this “Even with my injury, I can still move in other ways and it’s ok to rest. I repeat, it’s OKAY to rest.”

2)   Rest whenever you can. Your body heals when it’s in a resting state.

3)   Move forward – continue to go to yoga classes even with your injury. Talk to the teacher before class and tell him/her about your injury so you can learn how to modify. Don’t feel bad about doing something different then the rest of class, you are doing the right thing by listening to your body.

4)   Ask for help – There are others around you, family, friends, etc. who can help – Let them.

5)   Ask for support – injuries can take a serious toll on your mind. When you need a boost don’t be afraid to ask for it – that’s what friends and family are for.

For those doubting your injury will get better – STOP STINKING THINKING – be positive, stay positive and be proactive. If you need physical therapy, go and get it. Don’t wait because the longer you let an injury go, the more likely it will stay injured for longer.

Have faith in the strength of your body and mind to heal you. I doubted it  for a moment and here I am, giving you advice.

Be kind to yourself.