When it comes to recovering from injuries, few can do it as fast as professional athletes.

How do pros return to play so quickly? By being in tremendous physical condition at the time of an injury, professional athletes already are a step ahead. Studies have shown that good conditioning can not only prevent injuries, but also can also lessen the severity of an injury and speed recovery.

Of course, once the injury occurs, pro athletes have a few other advantages. It begins with the immediate attention they get at the time of the injury. Early treatment means that there is less swelling, stiffness, and loss of muscle tone.

But pro athletes have to work at their recovery, as well, and most work extremely hard with a physical therapist and/or certified athletic trainer. Hard work, while maintaining the positive attitude that makes them successful in sports, speeds the recovery.

You can learn from the pros' example when it comes to speeding your own recovery:

• Maintain year-round, balanced physical conditioning.
• Make sure that injuries are recognized early and treated promptly.
• Participate in a full, functional rehabilitation program.
• Stay fit while injured.
• Keep a positive, upbeat attitude.