Training with injuries

When dealing with training while injured, several experts share valuable insights on how to navigate this challenging situation:

1. David Joyce emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical and mental fitness while allowing injuries to heal. He suggests that runners, for instance, can use alternative exercises that do not exacerbate their injuries, such as using an elliptical, biking, or swimming. This approach helps to avoid stressing the injury while still maintaining cardiovascular fitness and mental health 1.

2. Danny Matranga advises getting a proper diagnosis from a professional like a physical therapist when experiencing pain or injury. He stresses the importance of continuing to move, being creative with workouts, and avoiding exercises that cause pain. Training the uninjured side can also help maintain muscle integrity on the injured side due to a phenomenon known as cross-education 2.

3. Jason Fitzgerald discusses how balancing injury treatment with training before a major race is especially difficult. He highlights that having a coach can provide an objective perspective to make better decisions regarding whether to continue training or take a step back for recovery 3.

   • 

     1

     Training with Injury

     00:08:12
   • 

     2

     Training While Injured

     00:30:32
   • 

     3

     Balancing Injury and Training

     00:39:00
   • 

     4

     Training Risks

     00:41:15
   • 

     5

     Healing and Performance

     00:11:18
   • 

     6

     Shoulder Injury Training

     00:21:37

4. Dean Lister and Jocko Willink remind us of the risks involved with training, such as sprains and fractures, but stress that the risks of not training can be worse. They advocate for appropriate safety measures and supervised training to minimize injury risks 4.

5. Holistic Approach: Both Joyce and Fitzgerald underscore the need for a holistic approach that combines progressive stress to aid healing and prevent deconditioning of the non-injured parts of the body while addressing the underlying causes of injury 5.

6. Shoulder Injuries: For specific injuries like shoulder issues, Matranga points to the benefits of upper back exercises such as pull-downs and rows that promote overall shoulder health without stressing the injured area 6.

These expert insights highlight the importance of staying active, seeking professional guidance, and creatively adapting training routines to maintain overall health and expedite recovery.