Healing an injury takes time, but with the right approach, it can also be a transformative journey. Drawing from my personal experience of recovering from a broken ankle and my experience as a massage therapist, I've learned that movement is crucial, even when injured.

 Whether you can walk, lift your arms, or just wiggle your toes, keeping active is key. Remedial Massage therapy plays a huge role in reducing inflammation and scar tissue, helping to regain mobility faster.

By setting specific fitness goals and staying patient and compassionate with yourself, you can achieve incredible results. Let me share my story and tips to help you recover, become flexible, strong, and back to your best self in no time.

My Broken Ankle Story

The Day Everything Changed

It was a sunny morning and to be honest, I was in a weird headspace, and I decided that going for a run would be good. As I was out for a run, overthinking life. Suddenly, I slipped into a hole and I fell hard. I heard a “crack” noise, and  I knew immediately that something was wrong. 

The pain was excruciating, and my ankle started swelling quickly. A trip to the ER confirmed my worst fear—I had broken my ankle. I called some local friends from Sumner to give me a hand because I was stranded in the middle of Captain Thomas' track with a broken ankle. I am so lucky that a strong woman came to my rescue. Anna, she has done Iron man competition, she is an ultra runner and my client. She still me superhero.  

Was a 90 min downhill adventure. My body went into survival mode so I didn't feel pain and we could do photo shoots of the whole thing. 

The doctor told me I'd need to be on a moon boot for 5 weeks. That day marked the beginning of a challenging journey.

I went from being an active person to someone who couldn't walk without crutches. However, I was determined not to let this injury define me. Little did I know, this was the start of an adventure that would teach me the importance of movement, patience, and compassion in injury recovery.

Early Recovery Challenges

Let me tell you, those first few weeks after breaking my ankle? They were a wild ride. One day I'm running on the hills, the next I'm struggling to get out of bed. Talk about a reality check!

Picture this: My first attempt at making breakfast post-injury. Two hours. Yes, you read that right. Two hours for a meal that usually took me 15 minutes tops. And don't even get me started on the crutches situation. Suddenly, I wasn't just down a foot - my hands were out of commission too. Every little task became a puzzle to solve.

My emotions? They were all over the place. One minute I'd be determined to bounce back quickly, the next I'd be wallowing in frustration. But here's the thing I learned pretty quickly - recovery isn't just about physical healing. It's a mental game too.

So, I made a choice. Instead of fighting against this new reality, I decided to lean into it. I gave myself permission to focus solely on healing. No guilt, no rush, just pure, unadulterated recovery time.

Now, being a massage therapist, I knew a thing or two about body care. But I also reached out to my community for advice. Here's what my recovery cocktail looked like:

1. Gentle oil massages three times a day. (Pro tip: healing oils are a game-changer!)

2. Magnet wraps recommended by a fellow injury warrior from Scarborough Dippers.

3. Careful ankle movements within my moon boot. (Thank goodness for removable boots!)

Physical therapy was my lifeline. Not only did it help me understand my injury and the healing process, but it also gave me hope. Hope that one day, I'd be back pounding the pavement.

And of course, I can't forget about massage therapy. In both as a practitioner and on the recieving end, I can't stress enough how crucial it was in reducing inflammation and breaking down scar tissue.

Each day brought new challenges, but also new victories. And you know what? I learned to celebrate every single one of them. That mindset shift? It was everything.

So, if you're going through your own recovery journey, remember this: it's okay to take it slow, to have bad days, and to celebrate the small wins. Your body is amazing, and with a little patience and a lot of self-compassion, you'll get through this. Trust me, I've been there!

Discovering Massage Therapy

During my recovery, I discovered the incredible benefits of massage therapy. Initially, I was sceptical about its impact on my broken ankle.

However, I gave it a try because having a square foot wasn't in my plan. So being in a moon boot allowed me to gently massage the area. I would do this 3 times a day. After a few days my foot felt like a normal foot though the pain reminded me that wasn't normal. 

My swelling decreased, and I regained some range of motion. Massage therapy became a key part of my recovery routine. It not only helped with physical healing but also provided mental relief. The sessions were a time to relax and focus on my progress. This holistic approach to injury recovery reinforced the idea that healing is not just about the body but also the mind. I became a firm believer in the power of massage therapy to aid in recovery.

Tips for Effective Injury Recovery

Keep Moving Through the Pain

One of the most important lessons I learned during my recovery was to keep moving through the pain. Of course, this doesn’t mean pushing through severe pain or ignoring medical advice. Instead, it’s about finding ways to stay active within your limits. I realised that I couldn't do much with my lower body so I trained my upper body. 

Gentle movements can help maintain circulation and prevent muscle atrophy. Even if you’re bedridden, simple actions like wiggling your toes or lifting your arms can make a difference. During my recovery, I incorporated small exercises that didn’t strain my ankle but kept the rest of my body engaged. I did upper body strength to keep moving with crutches and I did a lot of balance and strengthening work with my good leg. I even went dancing once on crutches. Not recommendable, but I guess I was training for these occasions. 

This approach helped me stay connected to my fitness goals and prevented the frustration of total inactivity. Movement also releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and overall outlook. Remember, every small effort counts. Keep moving, listen to your body, and celebrate each step forward, no matter how minor it may seem.

The Power of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a powerful tool in injury recovery. It goes beyond simply relaxing your muscles. A skilled massage therapist can target specific areas to reduce inflammation and break down scar tissue, which is crucial for regaining mobility. During my recovery, massage therapy sessions were a game-changer. 

They helped alleviate pain and improved my range of motion. The consistent focus on these areas sped up my healing process.

Additionally, massage therapy provided mental relief. Was “me” time, it was great to know that it could reduce pain so I didn't have to take that pain medicine. The sessions offered a break from the stress and frustration of recovery, giving me a much-needed mental boost.

 If you’re recovering from an injury, consider making massage therapy a part of your routine. It complements physical therapy and provides a holistic approach to healing. The combination of physical and mental benefits can significantly enhance your recovery journey. Don’t underestimate the power of touch in helping you get back to your best self.

Setting and Achieving Fitness Goals

Setting fitness goals is essential for a successful recovery. These goals give you something to strive for and keep you motivated. When I was recovering from my broken ankle, I set specific milestones: first, to walk unaided, then to run a 12km, and ultimately to complete a 21km half  marathon. 

These targets kept me focused and provided a sense of purpose. It’s important to set realistic and achievable goals that align with your recovery timeline. Start small and gradually increase the difficulty as your body heals.

 Consulting with your physical therapist can help you create a structured plan tailored to your needs. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small, as it reinforces your progress and boosts your morale. Remember, the journey to recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient and compassionate with yourself. With determination and consistent effort, you can reach your fitness goals and come back stronger than ever.

Going forward

It's been almost a year since the injury and I keep seeing my physio, not because there's pain, but because I have goals to achieve. I want to be running faster. I want to be stronger so I don't break my ankles. And so far it has been going well. 

My foot still stiffens up when I overuse it (that is almost every weekend). I still do my rehab exercises, I do a lot of stability work so when there's uneven terrain my ligaments know how to bounce back instead of give in. 

Is a long journey, and well worth it. I got out it: 

•  being able to train as normal 

• I met a great physio: Matt Evans here in Sumner 

• I being able to do some PR in my running 

• I got back the muscle mass that I lost 

• Still working on making my legs stronger

And for sure I learned not to go for a run if I am not in a good head space!

I hope this story helped you to understand that it is a long journey but totally worth it to transition!

Con Amor 

Dani Vega