When an injury keeps you sidelined from the hobbies you love, it’s hard not to get impatient and frustrated. Michael Hobbs chats with Cabrini Allied Health Centre’s Kirby Young for his top five rehab tips to get you back on the bike, quicker.
In a fast-paced world, a sudden injury can put your life into crude perspective. Aside from the physical set-back, you’re feeling frustrated and like half the person you were. With no quick-fix, a full recovery can seem a distant unknown
Respecting the pain and committing to gradual improvement is an important first step says Kirby Young of Cabrini Allied Health Centre. With a wealth of experience helping riders heal, Kirby gives you his top five rehab tips.
1. Listen to the experts
Rehabilitation from a major accident can take a long time and needs patience, support, commitment and motivation. Your healthcare team have your best interests at heart, so listen to them, take your time, and stick to the program.
2. Don’t stop at 90%
So many people undertake rehabilitation and never finish their program. They get back on the bike and back to life, but never back to the level they were at. Persist with your program and you’ll reap the rewards. The last 10% is the hardest, but often the most important.
3. Speak up and restore confidence
A major accident doesn’t just affect our physical well-being, it can affect our psychological and emotional well-being too. Getting back on the bike can feel like an insurmountable task, and some people never get back on. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a psychologist, and talk to the rest of your team about your concerns.
4. Do it in your sleep
Rest and a good night’s sleep is crucial for recovery. It’s as important as exercise. Taking days off from your rehabilitation allows the body time to heal. You do most of your healing overnight while you’re asleep so if you’re having trouble sleeping, speak to your healthcare team.
5. Stage your comeback
A staged progression of exercises is necessary to safely strengthen your muscles and bones without compromising the healing and recovery. Don’t jump ahead or overload the system – cutting corners or skipping steps leads to future issues and delayed recovery. Set goals with your team, make them relevant and purposeful, and don’t progress until you’ve achieved them.
Suffering an injury is a humbling experience but the recovery is just as rewarding. If misfortune strikes, remember that recovery is about physical, mental and emotional restoration. Take your time, set your goals, and you’ll be back on your bike, appreciating the joys of riding again.
Cabrini Allied Health Centre specialises in treating cycling injuries. To find out more visit[email protected] or call (03) 9508 1400.