For many athletes, recovering from an injury isn't just about managing the pain. It's important to maintain the fitness level you've worked hard to achieve, and not being able to do your usual training routine can be frustrating and discouraging. However, you don't have to remain sedentary and lose all the gains you made before getting hurt. Here's how you can stay active during this period with help from a sports medicine doctor.

How to Maintain Fitness After an Injury

1. Talk With a Doctor 

Regardless of the location and severity of the injury, talk to a sports medicine provider before trying any physical activity during the recovery period. They'll let you know when it's safe to start exercising again, what activity is safe, and how long you can work out. Expect to take some time to rest and make a gradual return to exercise to avoid reinjury.

2. Try Cross-Training 

Even if you can't participate in your sport, you can still work out other parts of your body. For example, if you've injured a knee or ankle, focus your workouts on the upper body while healing. 

With the approval of a sports medicine or orthopedic doctor, you may be able to use a stationary bike or rowing machine that doesn't require putting weight on the injured joint. Or, if you have injured an upper extremity, try exercises that focus on the lower body, including walking or jogging. 

3. Choose Low-Impact Exercises 

While staying active during injury recovery is advisable, engaging in strenuous exercise and overdoing the workout if you aren't quite back to your previous fitness level can exacerbate the problem. A sports medicine doctor will provide guidance, but you should plan on gentle, low-impact exercises at first. 

Swimming, walking, and yoga are excellent choices for staying active without aggravating an injury. Stretching your muscles and spending time on strength training can support a stronger recovery and help you get back in the game sooner. 

If you're an athlete who needs help from a sports medicine doctor to recover from an injury, turn to Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers in Wexford. With multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania, these physicians will uncover the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan to help you feel comfortable again. They'll also advise you on how to maintain your fitness during the recovery period. Call (866) 874-7483 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.