As I’m always helping my patients recover from their injuries, its always humbling when I’m on the other side and get injured. I get a taste of my own medicine and can empathise exactly what my clients go through. I’m someone that does a lot – and does not like being told to stop. I run, ride, swim, surf, hike and dance whilst also running the clinic, and love my social time.

However 2024 was a year of injuries, I had unfortunately got hit by a car whilst bike riding, had a concussion from being hit by a surfboard. And just before before hiking Patagonia, sliced my foot open. This led to a calf tear on the other side (as I had to keep hiking), as well as a compensating hip injury on the other side. (Yep a lot…). For those wondering,  I did complete the hikes and had the most amazing time in awe of the beauty of Patagonia !

Injuries teach me a lot, and here are my own personal lessons from a physio point of view:

1. Being in pain and injured sucks.

It’s okay to feel frustrated, sad or angry about an injury/being in pain. Make sure to feel these emotions – we are emotional beings and its important to embrace and accept our emotions

2. Don’t let those emotions consume you for too long.

I like to normally give myself a certain time frame in me feeling sad, angry, frustrated. What helps me go through this is understanding that pain and injury is temporary. I will also ensure I take care of mental state of well being through daily breathwork, mindfulness and weekly reflections. In terms of breathwork – I personally like following this guy who posts 5-10 minute meditations on youtube. Here is a link to a 7 minute breathwork video that I normally will do. If you prefer apps, I also like Calm

3. Gratitude for health

Once you lose a state of mental or physical health, you realise how precious life and health is. I am thankful for my health every day and will end my day with one thing I am grateful for. There are multiple gratitude journals out there including from Kiki K 

4.    Its okay to seek support

Support can be from a friend and family. Please don’t Dr Google. Instead seek tailored individualised support from expert health professionals such as Physiotherapists (yes physios do see physios!), psychologists (if you find that it is affecting you mentally) and doctors.

5. Injuries teach me to slow down

There is this beautiful quote that I love:
“Slowing down is a superpower that lets you listen deeply, speak clearly, and choose wisely”
Use injuries as a time to reflect and provide clarity in terms of your life. Does something need to change in your life? Is there something you need to let go?

6. A reminder that Rest and Recovery are Just as Important as Training

An injury highlights the importance of rest, rehabilitation, and proper recovery—essential components of any training or wellness routine.

7.  Adaptability is Key

Injury forces you to find new ways to move and stay active. It might be frustrating at first, but adapting to different forms of exercise can improve overall fitness and reduce reliance on one movement pattern. Whilst hiking, this involved me taking regular breaks, using a walking stick, taping and bracing to get me through

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one, these lessons can help you approach movement and training with a more mindful, sustainable perspective. Which of these lessons have you learned through your own injury journey? 💡💪 #InjuryRecovery #ListenToYourBody #StrengthInHealing

If you are seeking support in your own injury or pain, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic by clicking here.