Thoughts of returning to activity after an injury are often troubling. Many do not know when it is safe to return so that a re-injury does not occur. People debate whether to wait until they feel nothing or if it is ok to start back earlier. The reality is that IT DEPENDS. It will depend on a variety of factors. Let’s discuss them here.

To begin with, what type of injury is it? An overuse injury, a sprain, a muscle pull, or something else. Each type of injury requires a different timeline of return.  For example, a person with a mild ankle sprain could return to activity in just a few days or a week or w. For a more severe sprain, that could take upwards of 4-8 weeks. Similar comments can be directed toward a muscle pull. Additionally, just how “aggressive” will the activity of interest be? Less straining activities can be re-integrated more quickly. With the proper rehab and a carefully outlined return to action plan, a person can return quicker and more safely than if they take the wait until all no longer hurts.

How much soreness or pain is ok? Again, type of injury plays some role in decision making, but GENERALLY SPEAKING if you experience 0-3/10 pain on that 0-10 scale during or after activity that is ok…provided those symptoms resolve by the next day. If symptoms rise to 4-6/10 or last longer than 24 hours then you are returning too quickly or with too much volume/vigor. For more specific guidance, a rehab professional can help you with the process of returning.

Do I need rehab or can I just wait it out?

Well, you can try the wait it out approach, but…That approach leads to confusion when the person starts back and their body hurts. The boom or bust plan leads to soreness That approach leads to confusion when the person starts back and their body hurts. This boom or bust plan leads to soreness upon return which can be confusion. Thus, a slow return to action will be necessary. A professionally crafted rehab program will result in a FASTER return to action for the individual. Not only will a person recover more quickly, but they will be provided a plan to prevent and reduce their risk for re-injury.

Are you ready to return to action with concern for injury? Then click the following LINK to connect with an expert today.