Badminton Through Injury

Injury become a nightmare for badminton lovers. Frustration and give up are the worst could happen.

Phases of Injury Recovery
During the acute recovery phase you should be following the R.I.C.E. principles (rest, ice, compression and elevation), limiting your activity, allowing yourself time to heal. Depending on the type and severity of your injury, treatment may also include medical care, surgery, various taping, bracing, or physical therapy treatments.

While your injury heals try to maintain overall conditioning if possible. Try alternate forms of training such as water running, swimming, cycling, rowing or weight training of the non-injured parts.

Regaining range of motion and strength should be started as soon as possible as directed by your physician or therapist. Use discomfort as a guide and avoid movements that cause pain. Once muscle strength and flexibility return you can slowly get back into your sport, working at about 50 to 70 percent max capacity for a few weeks. During this re-entry phase, functional drills for balance, agility, and speed can be added as tolerated. Quoted from: sportsmedicine

Ankle & Foot Injuries
If your ankle or foot is injured, you still have many exercise options. If your doctor approves it and you are able to, using the rowing machine or a stationary bike with one leg, or swimming are possibilities. Work with your doctor or trainer to find other non-weight bearing cardio exercise you can do and spend 30-60 minutes about three times a week on that exercise to maintain endurance. Quoted from: sportsmedicine

Leg and Knee Injuries
Leg and knee injuries can be fairly limiting for most athletes. Almost all endurance exercise require flexion and extension of the knee joint, so developing a new routine may be frustrating. One-legged cycling, kayaking, using an upper body ergometer (hand cycle) are options. Swimming may be possible if you use a pull buoy so you don't kick or use your legs. Quoted from: sportsmedicine

When my knee was twisted on court, it took me about 2 weeks RICE treatment, supplements, only walk with care is the rest exercise could do. During this period, nothing about badminton unless low serve exercise. It may take some creativity and the flexibility to try new things, but most athletes find training through injury is possible and not terribly difficult. The key is to maintain the right attitude and protect the injured part until it heals. e.g. taping, supporting, etc.

When the pain can be overcome (it's very personal) and no more swelling, playing double still could do with limitations. Often play at the net while improving it. When dragged back to rear court, do not smash as vibration from arm transferred to the knee. This is why as a man I refuse play mix double for a while. Again maintaining attitude on the game is as important as thinking the best battle strategy.