Disaster! You’ve had a serious injury, and may even need surgery. This can be devastating, especially if you have a good exercise routine in place. It can be tempting to rush back to the gym, or your regular workouts.

Don’t.

These sample patients, described by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, illustrate the difference between making recovery your priority, and trying to rush through the process. Click to see a larger version. Even if you are fortunate enough not to require surgery, take your recovery seriously – that’s the best way to keep your downtime to a minimum.