The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide 199
Chapter 12 Training and Sports Related Injuries
One of the hazards of being a SEAL or an athlete
is becoming injured. In BUDS training, 1 out of 3 potential SEALs sustain an
injury that may curtail training or require them to drop out of training. Sustaining either a
sudden injury or an overuse musculoskeletal injury can mean loss of work days, forced rest,
and pain for a period of days to weeks. More severe injuries result in scar tissue formation
at the site of injury. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to describe:
" Treatments for training-related injuries.
" Reconditioning for return to full activity.
" Types of training injuries.
" Common mission-related injuries.
" When to seek medical care.
The goal is NOT to have you treat your own injuries, but rather to be informed so
that you will seek appropriate help when needed. Central to the rapid recovery from
training-related injuries is a step-wise reconditioning program which starts immediately
after the injury. Such programs are designed to arrest the inflammatory process, promote
healing, and accelerate the return to full duty.