Recovering from Injuries

Unfortunately, injuries do happen, but it is important to recover effectively to lessen the chance of the same injury happening again. Proper recovery takes time, patience, and mental resilience. Returning to sports too quickly after an injury is one of the biggest mistakes athletes make. It is important to take your time and slowly get back to where you were before your injury. Pushing yourself too hard can not only lead to reinjury but also extend the healing process.

Protective Gear and Taping

Wearing protective gear after an injury may lessen the chances of reinjury. For example, if you’ve previously sprained your ankle, you could wear an ankle brace to stabilize your joint and prevent another sprain. Similarly, knee or arm sleeves can also protect a prior site of injury.

Another method of joint support is taping. Two common types of taping include athletic tape and kinesiology tape. Athletic tape is thick, non-elastic, and is usually used to stabilize and support joints as it restricts movement. Athletic tape should only be used for short-term activities and removed immediately after because it may also restrict the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids.

Another type of taping is kinesiology tape, one of the most common brands known as KT Tape. Kinesiology tape is a thin, flexible tape that supports muscle movement and can help relieve pain by reducing swelling and inflammation. When applied, it works by lifting the skin slightly, which sends signals to the nerves and helps activate the muscles, allowing them to contract and stabilize joints. Depending on how it is applied, kinesiology tape can also be used for lymphatic drainage, which reduces inflammation by improving lymphatic flow in the area. One of the main reasons people use kinesiology tape is for muscle stimulation after an injury. It is also often used instead of a brace because it is breathable and stretches like the skin. Since it is water and sweat resistant, kinesiology tape can be worn during physical activity and may stay in place for several days, sometimes up to three weeks. However, it should be removed if irritation or redness occurs. For best results, kinesiology tape should be applied by a medical professional.