10 STEPS… TO SUCCESSFUL INJURY RECOVERY

GET GOOD ADVICE

If you aren’t able to get access to a sports physio, always consult a medical expert.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO

If all I had wanted to do was run and walk on trails I would not have had my ACL repaired. You can get by without a repair with a good rehab programme, but it gets more risky the more you want to put your knee through.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE COMMITTING TO

An ACL rehab for example will last 6+ months. I had to mentally make the commitment to that more than the operation itself.

IF YOU NEED AN OP, GET THE RIGHT SURGEON

Ask around – seek advice to find someone who specialises in what you want doing.

BE DEDICATED TO REHAB

There’s no point having an operation then slacking on the rehab. Both are needed to get a successful outcome. It’s not weekly rehab, it’s daily!

BEHAVE YOURSELF

There are times to do slightly mad things, but during rehab is not one of them. Follow expert advice and certainly err on the side of caution in the early stages.

STAY STRONG

It’s unlikely your recovery will be a smooth upwards curve, so be prepared for setbacks.

STAY PATIENT

Not my greatest strength, and I had to keep focused on this being a 6-month process to get back and not rush things. .

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Be prepared to back off if your body signals it’s not ready.

EMBRACE THE PROCESS

I’ve used this time to also work on other weaknesses. In my case, general balance and stability, which will help me in the long-term.