Sports injuries are unfortunately a common part of playing at a competitive level. It is easy to think you can just rest it and assume it will get better. However, in most cases a sports injury needs a little help to fully heal and return to sport properly.
Here are 5 signs that your sports injury won’t heal on its own:
You’ve been dealing with it for weeks with little improvement
If you’ve rested, modified activity, and given it time—but the pain or symptoms are not improving, something may be preventing proper recovery.The pain keeps coming back when you return to sport
You feel better with rest, start playing again, and the pain returns. This is a sign that the underlying problem hasn’t actually been addressed.You’ve lost strength, mobility, or function
If the injured area is noticeably weaker, stiffer, or less stable than the other side, simply waiting for it to heal may not be enough. Your body needs targeted rehabilitation.You’re changing how you move because of the injury
Limping, avoiding certain movements, compensating with another body part, or being unable to perform normal sport-specific movements are signs worth paying attention to.You experienced a significant injury or have ongoing swelling, instability, or sharp pain
Injuries involving a pop, swelling, joint instability, locking/catching, or persistent sharp pain should be assessed rather than simply resting until it feels better.
Resting your sports injury does not always mean it’s healing properly. If you have suffered a sports injury and want to get back to your sport quickly and properly, book in to see one of our sport specialists HERE.