You’ve probably experienced pain at some point in your life, whether it was from lifting something too heavy, repetitive motions on a job or a car accident. And while pain is a huge convenience for active people, the more attention you give it from the beginning, the better your chances of recovery. That said, here are some steps to take after you get injured.
Rest
Whether you’ve injured you lower back, shoulder or knee, it’s best to quit what you’re doing and rest. That’s because you risk damaging your limb or back more if you continue using it. You may even need to miss work a couple days to heal up.
Use Ice and Heat
Apply ice on the injured area for the first 48 to 72 hours, according to Michigan Medical. This minimizes the swelling by reducing blood flow to the area. Once the swelling is reduced after a few days, use a heating pad. Heat enhances blood flow and allows your muscles to relax, according to Medical News Today. The blood also contains healing properties like oxygen and nutrients.
Elevate Injured Area
If you’ve injured your knee, lie down and elevate it to further decrease blood flow to the area. Always keep the injured area above your heart, according to Michigan Medical.
Get a Massage
Medical professionals like Lincoln Park chiropractic highly recommend massage therapy to enhance healing. These types of professionals always incorporate massage into their own healing plans.
Consulting With Your Doctor
If you have any questions about injury treatments, call your doctor. This is particularly important if you take any medications to deal with pain. If you see your doctor, he may recommend that you make an appointment with a specialist like Lincoln Park chiropractic specialists.
If you see a chiropractor, he or she will also prescribe certain stretching exercises you can do to strengthen muscles surrounding the injured area. These exercises can help prevent future injuries to your limb or back.
