Nothing brings an athlete down faster both mentally and physically than a debilitating injury. Whether it’s the slightest soreness or an injury that requires surgery, all competitors, young and old, will feel discouraged, frustrated and agitated. As a very competitive and active athlete, I can attest that nothing is more tormenting than an injury that prevents me from doing what I love to do most. Even as I write this I am now suffering from tendonitis in both knees and a strained shoulder muscle which prevents me from training for my next triathlon. I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself an “expert” when it comes to treating injuries, but perhaps a “seasoned veteran” is a more suitable title for me.

So what can YOU do to ease lingering pain for yourself or your loved ones? As I’m sure, many of you have heard the acronym RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), which many doctors will recommend for those treating sports-related injuries. We all have the ability to follow such guidelines for healing, but not everyone knows how to comfort themselves during recovery. So, I have some personal recommendations that you can use to ease the pain and provide much-needed relief and comfort to yourself or a loved one.

While resting the injured part of the body, one may find himself in his favorite chair or sofa for a long period of time, especially after surgery. It always makes a big difference to have the right pillow to maximize comfort while you rest. Not only does this reduce stress on the neck and head when lying down or sitting, but more importantly, the pillow can be used to rest an injured arm (or leg), keeping it elevated and stationary. Elevation is important to reduce swelling in the injured area, which promotes faster healing. A soft microbead pillow is an excellent option for this, particularly in a cylindrical shape, which improves support for aches and pains behind the neck or lower back. A pillow with buckwheat or polystyrene is essential so that the pillow is malleable and flexible enough to mold itself to any part of the body.

Ice is also extremely important in reducing swelling and pain. I’ve also found that the warm-up and cool-down process is extremely relaxing and helps me get back on the move faster. There are a few items you may find useful for warming up and cooling down, including a warm up/cool down balm, which is great for sports injuries, or a warm up/cool down bandage. Especially after football games, when I was getting hit and bruised, nothing felt better and more relaxing than a heating/cooling balm on my sore muscles and a body wrap on my stiff shoulders and back.

I have also found that while elevating, icing, or resting in bed or on the couch, my feet get very cold and uncomfortable, so I always wear a very comfortable pair of socks. Bamboo socks have become my favorite because they are extremely comfortable and warm, yet provide exceptional breathability.

Another necessity that many don’t consider or attribute to faster healing is the inclusion of water in their routine. I always recommend keeping an easy-to-use (preferably non-spill) bottle of water by my side when I’m sitting on the couch so I can maintain a steady intake of water for general nutrition or to take pain relievers. In addition, snacks are always a necessity when it comes to rest and healing, especially healthy snacks, since one is usually immobile and cannot exercise properly. Therefore, I recommend natural fruit chips, nut snacks, and small cookies, avoiding processed foods with high amounts of sugar and fat, which do not aid healing.

Naturally, when one is confined to the sofa for long periods of time, one is bound to get bored. So it’s always good to have an uplifting book, magazine, or game to keep your brain stimulated. Personally, I prefer brain teasers like crossword puzzles, sudoku puzzles or joke books to keep me entertained and in high spirits.

Emotional support is just as important as physical support, so offering your time and services to a friend or loved one can be just as helpful as a gift. This may include running errands or small, simple tasks for someone who is injured, such as taking out the garbage or preparing a meal. Even the smallest daily tasks can add up to a lot and will reduce unnecessary stress for those who are disabled by injury. But, if you are not around to provide such services, then a gift of useful products that will help and stimulate the healing process is a great option. By following any of my recommendations, you or a loved one will likely feel much more comfortable and relieved while recovering from a sports injury or surgery. I wish you and your loved ones luckier than me! Good luck!