Yorkshire Sport Medicine’s resident Senior Therapist, Jude McDowell BSc (Hons) MCSP PG Dip, talks about getting you back to your full potential after an injury or surgery.
Recovering from an injury or surgery, especially during a pandemic, can be a lengthy or difficult process. Trying to get back to regular activity, whether it is just walking around the supermarket, or, returning to sport, brings its challenges both physically and mentally.
You may have tried to self-manage your condition or had some guidance on exercise. You may have even been discharged following surgery. You might be as motivated as you can be, but you just can’t quite get back to your normal level of activity. So, what should you consider when optimising your return to full fitness?
Finding the right physiotherapist
Physiotherapists have the skills, knowledge and expertise to help you maximise your potential. All the physiotherapists have many years of private, sport and NHS experience. We do this through functional rehabilitation, which, by definition, is a restoration program. Don’t panic, not everyone needs to do squats, lift weights and run marathons! We work with you, as an individual, and prescribe exercise and activity specifically targeted at your needs. We give guidance on how much you should be doing to avoid aggravation and advise on graded return to your activity.
Specificity
However, if you are returning to sport, I would encourage a specialised approach. Recent research advocates completing high-level functional rehabilitation and validated outcomes (recognised tests) before returning to sport. Recovery following surgery, for example, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction, can be tedious and, traditionally, will have time limitations on recovery. If you fall into this category, a sports-specific program should be designed to meet your individual needs. Physiotherapists can work with you and get you on the road to recovery. Our programs will usually involve both strength and conditioning exercises and field/court specific drills. You may not even need to go to the gym to do this! Expert guidance and testing at regular intervals should enable a stronger and more confident return to play.
So, if you are in need of help and advice on injury or need some rehabilitation, our physiotherapists at YSM are here to help. The clinic is open and COVID secure. So don’t delay. Whatever you are trying to get back to, we will tailor a programme to suit you and guide you each step of your journey to recovery.
YSM Clinic at David Lloyd
Hull Road, York, YO10 3LG
Call 01904 413669 or email info@yorkshiresportsmedicine.co.uk.
Add a comment