Whether you are an elite athlete or a gym rat, it can be difficult to cope with losing the ability to train and perform at a certain level. Injuries can

take a toll on your confidence and leave you wondering if you will ever return to top form. 

Remember that you did not achieve your current output overnight. It takes time

to heal and rehabilitate your injuries. Be patient and follow your doctor's advice. Pay close attention to how your body responds to therapy. Also, be sure to adjust the frequency

and intensity of your workouts. Track and celebrate every milestone in your recovery to reassure yourself that your plan is working. But, take your time. Rushing to return to your previous form

could cause permanent damage. 

When rehabbing an injury, it is critical that you adjust your workout routine. Traditional bodybuilding splits allow you to focus on specific areas of your body while allowing plenty of recovery time

between workouts. When one part of your body becomes weak, other parts of your body adapt to compensate for your limited strength and mobility--often without you taking notice. 

Traditional body splits help

you dedicate the time you need to assess the progress of your injured areas. This video gives you several approaches to training splits. As always, consult your physician to help you choose which

will be the most effective in your recovery.

After an injury has healed, you might feel like you are starting all over again in the gym. In a way, you are. To prevent re-injury, you must start slowly

to reengage the muscles and connective tissue. Your injury may have caused a loss of some strength, stamina, flexibility, and range of motion. 

The best way to return to your top form

is linear progression. This type of training simply involves increasing the amount of weight you lift every workout. The good news is that muscles have memory. If you were strong before,

you will more than likely regain that strength fairly quickly!