Bounce back fast

Don’t let a minor injury keep you down

This article was published on 10.13.16

No athlete is totally immune from injury, no matter how perfect your form or how carefully you warm up. Of course, if you get seriously hurt, see a doctor. If a minor strain or sprain is what ails you, though, here are a few tips for bouncing back fast.

• Ice it: Immediately following the injury, wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, about once an hour. After 48 hours, you can alternate by applying heat, too.

• Wrap it: With an elastic bandage, wrap it snugly—but not too tight.

• Rest it: This one is difficult for really active people, but you’ll only lengthen your recovery period by aggravating the injury further. Stay off it, all right?

• Relieve it: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, will lessen swelling and help ease the aching.

Source: Harvard Health Online