Keeping strength while injured?

UncelDolan09

Hi everyone,
in an unfortunate series of events, I cracked a rib (or pulled a muscle there, the doctors don't really know) and I am in severe pain, which will make working out impossible for the next few weeks. I was doing the Stronglifts 5x5 routine, thus keeping strength is my main concern. What should I do? Just keep eating a ton of protein so the muscles won't break down?

Chieflrg

I would get a clear dx.

A pulled muscle, can be worked around or even rehabbed rather quickly with a careful eye. Though if your form is lacking because of experience or bad habits, this might not benefit you either.

A cracked rib is another story.

Without etiquette stress to the muscle, you won't be keeping the mass regardless how much protien you consume.

UncelDolan09

Chieflrg wrote: »

I would get a clear dx.

A pulled muscle, can be worked around or even rehabbed rather quickly with a careful eye. Though if your form is lacking because of experience or bad habits, this might not benefit you either.

A cracked rib is another story.

Without etiquette stress to the muscle, you won't be keeping the mass regardless how much protien you consume.

Well they basically said I could get a CT, but that would be expensive and the additional radiation wouldn't make them change the treatment...so I don't know what exactly it is.

Chieflrg

UncelDolan69 wrote: »

Chieflrg wrote: »

I would get a clear dx.

A pulled muscle, can be worked around or even rehabbed rather quickly with a careful eye. Though if your form is lacking because of experience or bad habits, this might not benefit you either.

A cracked rib is another story.

Without etiquette stress to the muscle, you won't be keeping the mass regardless how much protien you consume.

Well they basically said I could get a CT, but that would be expensive and the additional radiation wouldn't make them change the treatment...so I don't know what exactly it is.

Well if it extremely painful, then side on caution.

If you running SL I assume you are a novice...just pick up lifting about where you would a deload after things are cleared and you'll gain strength quickly regardless.

lorrpb

I think what they're saying is that there's no active treatment they would provide differently regardless of whether it's a pulled muscle or cracked rib. Both of them you basically have to wait until they heal. Just watch your calorie intake if you are less active. That seems to be where people get in trouble at times like this. You might lose a little strength, but probably not as much as you fear. Whatever you might lose, you can rebuild without too much trouble. Sorry you're in this situation.

UncelDolan09

OK thanks for the help! I'll watch the calorie intake, and once I get back to it reduce the weight by a couple lbs.

canadianlbs

you could try using the body parts still remote from the ribs.

idk very much about it in the formal sense, but my dad did something like this in september -extremely bad bruising without any breaks. when i went to see him, he was in a good deal of pain but still getting up from a chair without using his hands.

the ribs are finally better, but i'm sad to see he's lost a little of that fundamental strength and stability. he'd just turned 92 when he had his fall, so i have to admit to myself it may be difficult for him to get it back now. [i'm working on it].

not that you should have to redeem what's gone on with my dad just saying, that most of the time there is something that you can do even if it's just kind of placeholder/time marking thing.