Finding ways to remain physically active is a challenge for people who suffer from serious injuries and find their movement temporarily restricted because they have to wear an immobilizing boot, knee brace, wrist or arm cast or must use crutches. Using such devices while recovering from an injury can affect your ability to remain physically fit as well as your mental outlook, says Susan Esposito, a physical therapist and senior director of quality assurance at Fox Rehabilitation, a medical group based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. If you're used to being active, "your mind will crave exercise, [and] it will still want endorphins released by physical activity, which promote a sense of well-being," she says. "To meet that need, you have to figure out alternative exercises. If you're recovering from an injury, you may not be able to use your arms or legs as usual and run or compete on the basketball or tennis court, but there’s many things you can do. It's important to stay active to keep your muscles engaged and to maintain strength in your core." READ MORE