Martial arts fulfill many roles, including teaching us self-defence and helping us keep fit. But part of that second benefit is its ability to help us recover from injuries. Getting back into martial arts after an injury can be a big jump for some, but here are some tips to help give you that push. After all, studies suggest the sooner after an injury you start practicing, the more mobility you’ll regain. And unlike riding a bike, martial arts are a skill that you can get out of practice with.
Hesitation Hurts Rehabilitation
After an injury, muscles struggle to reattach and remember what functions they were capable of before. The term muscle memory refers to our instinctive ability to do various functions, but it’s a bit more literal than we think. Studies suggest that the sooner a muscle starts training in its various forms of locomotion and flexibility, the more the nerves will remember and repair themselves. That’s why rehabilitation facilities always insist that time is of the essence.
Martial Arts Provide Eccentric Training
Martial arts are also rife with eccentric training, which can be invaluable to recovery from hernias, torn hamstrings, and similar injuries. After a hernia, for example, slow stretches and drills focused on muscle extension are more helpful for recovery. Eccentric training focuses on these slow pulling drills and on muscle recovery and strengthening. A good example of this is tug of war, in which you plant your feet while a helper or trainer attempts to pull the rope away from you.
You’re Out of Practice
Studies are ongoing to try and determine how long it truly takes to master martial arts, but one found that it takes an estimated 27 to 38 weeks of continuous practice to be proficient in a martial arts form. Unfortunately, this study also showed that disuse caused these practitioners to become worse at their martial arts over time. So, if you already practiced martial arts, but suffered an injury, the sooner you get back to it the sooner you’ll see your skills improve again.
Finally
Training in martial arts can cause injuries and harm, but it can just as easily promote health and rehabilitation. If you’ve been cleared by your doctor to begin training again, consider doing so right away. Skills that utilize eccentric training can help restore muscle strength and flexibility, and exercising immediately can mean quicker rehabilitation and healing. And if you’re serious about your martial art, practicing again right away will help you shake off that unfortunate rust.
