Red Light, Green Light: A Guideline for Exercising Injured

Have you been noticing some random pain undermining your last few workouts? 

Or has your ankle been bothering you since your weekend long run, making you question if you should take some time off so it doesn’t get worse? 

Perhaps you got injured doing something totally unrelated to your exercise routine, like falling while trying to keep up with your friend (who’s actually good at skiing) down a black diamond. 

Even if none of these scenarios describe your current situation, we’ve all experienced a time when some annoying symptom left us wondering: “Should I push through the pain and risk making things worse, or just rest and let my body heal itself?”

Working in orthopedics, I get this question at least 10 times a day. Through personal experience and current research - which shows that movement often supports physiologic healing better than complete rest (within reason) - I’ve developed a pretty straightforward response. It sounds something like this, referencing the Pain-O-Meter shown below:

By following these simple guidelines, you can stay active while respecting your body’s healing process. Movement, when done mindfully, can be a powerful tool in recovering from injury. However, knowing when to rest and when to move is key. And when in doubt, it’s always better to consult a professional to ensure you’re on the right track.

How Can OffScript Help?

At OffScript, we look to provide trustworthy guidance to keep you safe and active. If you have specific concerns, want a second opinion, or simply don’t know which way to turn, consider booking an OffScript Consultation with Dr. Craig.

Want to discuss this topic further? Book a free 15-minute discovery call with Dr. Craig today!