Exercising with Injury: Need Some Help!

poseyj88
poseyj88 Posts: 140 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi have a lovely hip injury at the moment (suspected labral tear- ouch!), but I am CRAVING exercise. Specifically, I NEED some cardio.

I count on those exercise calories to be able to eat back because I have a really hard time sticking to my 1500 per day (and I lose well by exercising more and eating more).

Lately I literally cannot do any cardio. I don't have access to a pool, and I cannot do anything that will worsen my injury such as: running, cycling, eliptical, erg, arc trainer. Even walking is painful.

I've been doing upper arm/ab weight training, but I'm dying here. I've put back on a couple of pounds, and I feel my mood being affected by lack of exercise.


When I see my sports medicine doc next week I'll ask her, but any suggestions in the meantime that I'm not thinking of?

Replies

  • meghannrenee
    meghannrenee Posts: 202 Member
    Hi

    I struggled with a hip flexor injury over the summer - I strained it and spent 2 months in recovery. Get to your sports Dr, and resist the urge to do much of anything cardio-wise. If something hurts it's making it worse, and if it's making it worse it's increasing the amount of time you're going to have to sit out the activities you love. I know it sucks. It sucks balls. I was losing my frigging mind. But you have to do it. You never realize how many movements use those little muscles until they hurt.

    Have you tried boxing style workouts? lots and lots of punching? It won't burn as much, but it'll be something.

    Hope you get better and moving again soon :)
  • dancerom
    dancerom Posts: 174 Member
    Boxing, Punches, in some gyms they have an "arm bike" or rowing but with a fixed seat...

    And if you're really hurt - rest! And let your body heal!
    Beste wishes to you!
  • kinmad4it
    kinmad4it Posts: 185 Member
    If you've got access to one, you could try using the hand cycle. Other than that you're gonna have to be really strict and determined with keeping your eating in check.
  • robynj88
    robynj88 Posts: 104 Member
    I'd just like to point out that "because something hurts its making it worse" is completely not true. Pain doesn't always equal damage! I've had a very bad lower back for going on three years now and I spent ages thinking I couldn't do any strenuous exercise or lifting because it would hurt which had to mean I was doing myself more damage right? WRONG!

    After seeing numerous specialists including physiotherapists and chiropractors all have said to me that pain doesn't equal damage. A lot of the time pain is your muscles crying out because you've worked them and they're under-used. Everyone's arms hurt right when they do a heavy lifting session, but they're not broken the next day! Same principle!

    Speak to your specialist about what they recommend for you. Walking might be painful now but if it's not causing you any long-term harm I'd keep it up, you'll eventually build up a tolerance to it and get your cardio in.
  • DawnEH612
    DawnEH612 Posts: 574 Member
    I feel your agony. I did something to my left leg, near my knee. I have no id what i did as i don't recall hurting it. I went for my monthly massage and asked if she could focus on my calves as they have been really tot the last few months, especially my left one. A she worked her way up from my ankle to my inside knee area it was really tender and uncomfortable, even to a very light touch. The massage therapist said it felt like i over stretched a muscle, but ever since then i have become acutely aware of the discomfort i am feeling. Even when i apply light pressure it is very unpleasantly sore. I have tried to workout (avid spinner, boot camp, running, stairs) i am aware the something is "just not right" beyond just a sore muscle. I have used the pool at my gym to walk, run, skip, etc but my heart rate doesn't even reach the low end of my target rate... I am missing my endorphin rush, but i a, also worried b/c like the OP i like to exercise s i can eat more.. My body responds best to that. Also, i just don't want to loose progress and go back to where things are harder for me... Ive had to work my way back from two emergency surgeries in the past and it isn't fun..
    I like to idea of hitting a punching bag... Maybe that will help. I ave also been just lifting my upper body and will do a 5 day split triceps, back, chest, biceps, shoulders with abs alternate days.
    I think its time to see my doctor. ????

Categories