Working Out With Injuries: Why "Movement Is Medicine" Isn’t Just A Motto
So you’re injured. Your knee’s grumpy, your shoulder’s staging a protest, or your back feels like it’s 90.
Your first thought? “Guess I’ll quit the gym.”
Stop. Right. There.
Injuries aren’t exit signs – they’re detours. And at MHF, we know how to navigate them.
Here’s why moving smart beats sitting still:
1. MOVEMENT HEALS (NO, REALLY)
Science says: Gentle exercise boosts blood flow to injured areas, speeding recovery (British Journal of Sports Med, 2023).
Translation: Sitting = stiffness. Moving = healing.
MHF rule: If it hurts, stop. If it niggles, modify.
2. THE "AROUND IT, NOT THROUGH IT" RULE
Swap this → For that:
Bad knee? Swap squats → Seated leg extensions
Sore shoulder? Swap overhead press → Band pull-aparts
Achy back? Swap deadlifts → Bird-dogs
(Pro tip: Our PTs live for this puzzle – ask us!)
3. "BUT I’LL LOSE ALL MY GAINS!" → MYTH
Truth: Maintaining strength in uninjured areas helps overall recovery (Journal of Orthopaedic Research).
Example: Broken wrist? Crush leg day and cardio. Your arms won’t vanish.
4. YOUR MINDSET MATTERS MORE THAN YOUR MRI
Don’t: “I’m broken.”
Do: “What can I do today?”
MHF move: Book a free injury chat with our team. We’ll geek out on modifications.
5. INJURIES TEACH YOU WHAT YOU IGNORED
Poor mobility? Now you’ll stretch.
Weak stabilisers? Now you’ll train them.
Rushing workouts? Now you’ll slow down. Silver lining: You’ll come back smarter.