Whether you’re the occasional bike rider or an avid cyclist, one thing you’ll probably go through is the occasional injury or illness that keeps you from riding. Depending on the severity, you might be off your riding game for a few days or even several years.
While hiring an attorney for bicycle accidents is an ideal solution for seeking compensation, helping with any medical bills or money lost from time off work, there are also a few helpful tips for cycling after an injury or illness that you’ll want to know.
Tip 1: Accept the Situation
Even though you don’t want to admit that you need to take a break from your favorite activity, if you’re hurt or injured the worst thing you can do is aggravate the situation. No amount of stubbornness, anger, or refusal to accept what’s happening is going to make it go away. Pushing yourself will only prolong the injury. Take a step back and give yourself proper time to heal.
Tip 2: Be Smart and Listen to the Experts
Although you’re tempted to get back on your bike, an important step to a quicker recovery is to listen to your doctor. If your doctor recommends that you stay off your bike for a certain period of time, follow their directions. If your doctor says take it slow, then take it slow.In contrast, listen to your body and be sure you’re feeling 100% before you give it a go.
Tip 3: Take Proper Care of Yourself
Just because you’re not feeling well, don’t use the time off to completely destroy your diet. It might be tempting to eat a bunch of junk food or skip your vitamins, but that’s one of the worst things you can do. While you’re healing, be sure to maintain your diet by eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, get plenty of lean protein, and stay hydrated for a faster recovery.
Tip 4: Take It Nice and Easy
As you’ve already learned, your doctor knows best. Don’t jump back into training until you get the green light to go, and even then take it slow. Your body has been using up its energy to heal your injury and it’s not working at its best after you start back from an injury. Typically, you’ll want to start back withless than a 20 minute ride, and even if you feel like it-Don’t push it.
Tip 5: Follow Your Rehab and Physical Therapy Schedule
After an injury, your body will naturally “favor” the muscles that weren’t affected. This can cause further damage due to muscle imbalances, or issues with strength and flexibility being off-kilter. Once your doctor clears you for physical therapy, you can get started on the path to a full recovery. Just remember, only do what your body allows and what your doctor prescribes.
Tip 6: Get Ready to Ride
Eventually, your doctor will clear you of all restrictions and you’ll be able to ride again. Whenever the time comes, remember to take it slow. Your body will need an adjustment period when your muscles and cardiovascular system regain their strength. As you get stronger, you can slowly increase your riding times and intensity.
The Hardest Part
At first, it might seem like the worst part about getting injured was the pain you felt when you got hurt. As time passes, you’ll realize that even worse than that pain is the fact that you can’t ride everyday. Remember, when you’re injured you have a new goal-to fully recover and come back even stronger than when you started.
