Fitness after Illness (Injury)

The practice of returning oneself to suitable function following injury involves the healing of the wounded tissues, training of these tissues for the return to utility, and use of proper techniques to make best use of rehabilitation and reconditioning. While the objective is a speedy resumption of activity, it is important to recall that each individual reacts differently to illness or injury, and thus progresses individually during rehabilitation. As a foreword to discussion of the aims of management during rehabilitation, two points must be made. Firstly, healing tissue must not be overloaded. During tissue healing, measured therapeutic stress is essential to optimise collagen matrix formation, but too much stress can harm new structures and notably hamper the individual’s return to optimal fitness levels. This means selecting a level of loading that neither overloads nor under-loads the individual’s healing tissue. It should be noted that when one is choosing the load, it is crucial to consider the phase of healing and type of training one is undertaking (for one load can be too light or too heavy depending on strength, for instance). Secondly, the individual must meet precise objectives to progress from one phase of healing to the next. These objectives may hinge on range of motion, activity, or strength.

 

Inflammation Phase

The body’s initial response to an injury is inflammation, a response that is vital for subsequent healing but also important to manage correctly so as to not delay the rehabilitation process. Although a rapid return to optimal fitness levels is ideal, rest is essential to shield the damaged tissue from added injury. Therefore, exercise involving the injured area is not suggested during this phase.

Repair Phase

After the inflammatory phase, the body begins to mend the damaged tissue with comparable tissue, but the resiliency of the new tissue is low in comparison. Repair of the debilitated injury site can take up to eight weeks if the suitable amount of curative stress is applied or longer if too much or too little stress is used. Isometric exercise may be executed on condition that it is pain free and otherwise specified. Submaximal isometric exercise lets the individual uphold neuromuscular function and improve strength with movements implemented at an intensity low enough that the recently formed collagen fibres are not disturbed. Exercises with dynamic movement are also feasible, provided they are performed pain free.

Remodelling Phase

The result of the repair phase is the replacement of injured tissue with collagen fibres. After those fibres are laid down, the body can start remodelling and strengthening the new tissue, letting the individual progressively return to full activity. At the end of the day, reconditioning and rehabilitation exercises must be practical to facilitate a return to optimal fitness levels. Examples of functional training consist of velocity-specific muscle activity, joint angle-specific strengthening, and exercises intended to further augment neuromuscular control.

 

Bibliography

  1. Baechle, Thomas R., and Roger W. Earle. NSCA Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 2nd Edition. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2008.

 

  1. Verkhoshansky, Yuri Vitalievitch, and Mel Cunningham Siff. Supertraining. 6th ed. – Expanded ed. Rome, Italy: Verkhoshansky, 2009.

Disclaimer

The content of this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Information regarding supplements has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Buy Maqui Berry Tablets

Maqui berry offers a superior nutritional profile compared to Acai. Significantly higher anthocyanins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron, and potassium. Bulk discounts. Responsibly sourced. High grade. Made in the UK.

Learn more
  • Why people take psyllium husk for health benefits

    Why people take psyllium husk for health benefits

     The Benefits of Psyllium Husk:  A Comprehensive Guide Psyllium husk is a natural dietary fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, primarily grown in India. Known for...

    Why people take psyllium husk for health benefits

     The Benefits of Psyllium Husk:  A Comprehensive Guide Psyllium husk is a natural dietary fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, primarily grown in India. Known for...

  • The Best Raspberry Ketone: Top Supplements for Effective Weight Loss

    The Best Raspberry Ketone: Top Supplements for ...

    Introduction to Weight Loss Supplements Weight loss supplements like raspberry ketones can aid in achieving a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Raspberry ketone supplements are popular for their potential to...

    The Best Raspberry Ketone: Top Supplements for ...

    Introduction to Weight Loss Supplements Weight loss supplements like raspberry ketones can aid in achieving a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Raspberry ketone supplements are popular for their potential to...

  • The Best Polyphenol Rich Foods for Better Health and Wellbeing

    The Best Polyphenol Rich Foods for Better Healt...

    Introduction to Polyphenols Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in plant-based foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering numerous health benefits. Dietary polyphenols are a major group of plant-based nutrients that...

    The Best Polyphenol Rich Foods for Better Healt...

    Introduction to Polyphenols Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in plant-based foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering numerous health benefits. Dietary polyphenols are a major group of plant-based nutrients that...

1 of 3