Injuries and Working Out

An article in yesterday's New York Times (Thursday, January 11) suggested that it's usually OK, in fact good, to work out when you have a minor injury.

"We want to keep you moving," says Dr. William Roberts, a sports medicine specialist at UMinn. "Injured tissue heals better if it's under some sort of stress."

The article, "When It's OK to Run Hurt," was (obviously) focused on running, but it seems that the advice could apply to . . . say, tae kwon do as well.

It caught my attention because, even after a massage Wednesday (focused specifically on my hamstring and right leg), my right leg still wasn't quite right. My massage therapist said she didn't think it was a big injury. "You would have known if you'd torn it. You wouln't have been able to walk," she said. But she did say it felt "tight."

At any rate, I'm not sure how to overcome it.

The article says "most people can continue with the sport they love, although they may need to cut back a bit." OK. I'm doing that: I'm keeping my front kicks about belt-level.

A Dr. James Weinstein of Dartmouth College (he treats their athletes) has this suggestion: Before exercise, take one anti-inflammatory pill, like aspirin or Advil. Ice the area for 20 minutes. Then exercise, possibly reducing the intensity or time. When you finish, ice the injured area again.

OK. I'll try it. I've already been doing the Advil. If I remember, I'll try the ice, too.