Returning to Sports or Activity after injury and why you shouldn’t BABY it! 👶

Injuries happen. Whether it’s an ankle sprain, an ACL tear, or recovering from wearing a boot, bouncing back can feel overwhelming. The natural instinct? Take it easy, rest up, and avoid pushing too hard. But here’s the reality-if you want to return to your sport, activity, or just daily movement without long-term issues, babying the injury isn’t the answer.
Dustin & Jeron sat down to talk about smart recovery strategies that help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence without unnecessary setbacks. Whether you’re dealing with a mild strain or coming back from a major injury, they broke down exactly what to do (and what to avoid) when getting back into action.
Stop Babying the Injury - The Right Way to Rebuild Strength & Mobility
If you’ve ever been told to "just rest it" for weeks or months, only to return feeling weaker, stiffer, and more hesitant, you’re not alone. The key to a strong recovery isn’t avoidance-it’s structured movement.
Dr. Dustin, DPT, shared insights on how to reintroduce movement safely, rebuild strength, and restore full function without making the injury worse.
Some key takeaways:
✅ Pain ≠ Damage - Not all discomfort is bad. Learning the difference between “bad pain” (injury aggravation) and “good pain” (muscle adaptation) is crucial.
✅ Gradual Loading is Key - Muscles, tendons, and joints need progressive stress to rebuild properly. Avoiding movement altogether can lead to more stiffness and weakness over time.
✅ Don’t Skip Strength Work - Whether you’re returning from an ankle sprain, knee injury, or even back pain, structured strength training is essential for long-term recovery.
✅ Mobility & Stability Matter - Gaining back range of motion is only half the battle. You need to pair it with stability exercises to prevent re-injury.
✅ Trust the Process - Recovery isn’t instant, but strategic training, movement, and consistency will get you back to feeling strong again.
What About Adults Returning to Activity After an Injury?
If you’re no longer a high school, college, or professional athlete, the approach to recovery looks a little different. Maybe you’re not training for competition anymore, but you still want to:
✔️ Stay active and pain-free
✔️ Keep up with recreational sports like skiing, pickleball, hiking, or running
✔️ Move without stiffness, aches, and setbacks
✔️ Avoid long-term joint problems
The challenge? Aging naturally makes recovery slower-but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for less mobility or strength. You CAN get back to the activities you love, no matter your age.
Dr. Dustin explained how simple but strategic steps can make a huge difference, including:
💡 Strength training to counteract muscle loss and joint stiffness
💡 Targeted mobility work to regain lost range of motion
💡 Smart programming that helps prevent future injuries
💡 Using objective data (like strength tests & movement assessments) to track progress
Getting Older Doesn’t Mean You Have to Move Less
It’s easy to think, “I’m just getting older, and this is how it is.” But that’s not true. The human body adapts at any age-and if you approach recovery the right way, you can maintain strength, mobility, and performance for decades to come.
This conversation with Dustin & Jeron was packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to return to their sport, recreational activity, or just daily movement with confidence.
Want More Insights on Injury Recovery, Training, and Performance?
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And if you’re ready to stop second-guessing your recovery, tune in to the full chat with Dustin & Jeron to learn exactly how to return to activity the RIGHT way!