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5 Tools That Can Boost Recovery
Recovery plays a separate but important role alongside medical treatment for anyone healing from injuries, car accidents, intense workouts, or chronic pain. Recently, recovery tools have gained popularity and given people more ways to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, relieve soreness, and accelerate healing. Whether you are recovering from an accident or rehabbing a strain, the right recovery tool can make all the difference. Dr. Deryk Harting of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical doctor care teams in Florida, discusses 5 popular rehab tools:
- Percussive Massagers (i.e., Theragun or Massage Guns)
Percussive massagers have become one of the most popular recovery tools in the health and fitness world. These handheld devices deliver rapid pulses of direct pressure to muscles, helping to increase blood flow and break apart muscle fiber adhesions. Percussive massagers reduce muscle stiffness, improve flexibility, and help to relieve soreness. These products are designed for easy use, have multiple speed settings, and come with interchangeable heads. All massage guns are percussive massagers, but not all percussive massagers are massage guns. Percussive massagers include larger clinical devices or tools used by medical professionals, while massage guns are typically marketed to general consumers.
- Foam Rollers
Foam rolling has been a cornerstone of recovery for years. This simple yet effective tool uses self-myofascial release (SMR) to target tight spots and muscle fascia. By applying pressure to soft tissues (such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia), foam rollers help release tension and improve blood circulation. They also help break up adhesions within muscles. Foam rollers come in various densities and sizes, so you can choose one that matches your pain tolerance and needs. The best time to foam roll is after a rehab session or workout when the body is warmed up. This helps to release lactic acid and reduces muscular soreness.
- Compression Boots
Compression therapy involves the use of specialized boots or sleeves that apply controlled pressure to the legs and promote blood circulation. These devices (i.e., NormaTec Compression Boots) are designed to reduce swelling and muscle soreness. They use a pattern of pulsing pneumatic compression to help flush out waste products like lactic acid and increase the flow of oxygenated blood to muscles. Compression boots are popular among athletes, especially runners and cyclists, but they can also be helpful when recovering from certain lower-extremity injuries, if recommended by a healthcare provider. (It is important to note that some medical conditions such as fractures, infections, blood clots, or circulation disorders are contraindicated for compression therapy.)
- Epsom Salt Baths
While not exactly a “tool,” Epsom salt baths have been a long-trusted method of recovery and stress relief. Epsom salts are naturally occurring minerals which contain magnesium and help to decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and relieve muscle spasm or soreness. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can relax both the body and mind which makes it a great home recovery strategy. Although magnesium absorption through the skin has been debated, many people still report pain relief and relaxation afterwards. It is an effective way to wind down after a treatment session, injury, or workout.
- TENS Units (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
TENS units are small devices that use low voltage electrical impulses to relieve pain and promote healing. These units are often used by medical professionals but are also available for home use. TENS therapy works by stimulating nerve fibers to block pain signals and can cause endorphins (natural pain killers) to be released. A TENS unit usually comes with adhesive pads that are placed on the skin near an affected area. The electrical impulses are gentle and non-invasive, which makes it an ideal option for injury recovery, after surgery, or chronic conditions. (Note: TENS should not be used by people with certain conditions, such as those with pacemakers, epilepsy, or during pregnancy without medical guidance.)
Using recovery tools are key for complete healing after an injury or intense workout. From foam rollers to compression boots, these tools support the body’s natural healing and recovery processes. Whether you are recovering from a car accident, sprain, or soft-tissue injury, the right tools can turn a fair health outcome into an optimal one.
— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida
