Physical injuries can be a frequent part of life in the military community. Whether they occur during training, service, or later in life, the effects often go beyond the physical, impacting your emotional wellbeing and mental health, too.
If you’re living with a recent injury or coping with the long-term consequences of past service, this guide offers practical steps and sources of support to help you navigate recovery and manage its lasting impact.
What are physical injuries?
Physical injuries can range from broken bones and torn ligaments to more complex conditions such as spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), limb loss, and chronic pain. These injuries may have occurred during combat, from accidents, overuse, or simply the physical demands of years in uniform.
Common injuries experienced by veterans include -
- Joint and back problems
- Hearing loss
- Burns and scarring
- Limb loss
- Mobility issues
- Traumatic and acquired brain injuries
- Chronic pain
- Musculoskeletal disorders.
Some injuries heal with time and treatment. Others may become part of everyday life and require ongoing management, adaptation, and support.
How does a physical injury affect you mentally and physically?
The impact of a physical injury can go far beyond the surface. Recovery can be a long journey, affecting many parts of your life.
Physically, you may experience
- Loss of mobility or independence
- Chronic pain or fatigue
- Reduced physical fitness
- Sleep disturbances.
Mentally and emotionally, you might face
- Depression or anxiety
- Frustration or anger
- PTSD symptoms (especially if the injury is combat-related)
- Feelings of isolation or helplessness
- Identity challenges, particularly if the injury affects your ability to work or stay active.
It’s not just the individual who feels the effects - families often carry the emotional and practical burden too. That’s why recovery is not just a medical process but a personal, and sometimes family, journey too. Find out more about the support we offer to families.
How do you manage the recovery of a physical injury?
Managing recovery involves a combination of practical strategies, emotional support, and medical care. Every recovery journey is different, but here are some general principles to help guide the way -
- Accept where you are
Acknowledge the reality of your injury. This doesn’t mean giving up - it means giving yourself time and space to start healing, mentally and physically.
2. Follow a rehabilitation/recovery plan
Work closely with your GP, physiotherapist, or specialist to follow a tailored rehabilitation/recovery plan. Consistency is key, so stick with it, even if progress feels slow. Our clinical team can support you through the process.
3. Stay as active as you can
Take advice from your healthcare professional, but often, movement helps recovery. Even gentle or adapted physical activity - like walking, stretching, or adaptive sports - can improve strength, reduce pain, and lift your mood. There are lots of ways to stay active in your community.
4. Look after your mental health
If you're struggling, don’t bottle it up. Talk to someone - a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Peer support, counselling, or talking therapies can make a real difference. Find out more about our mental health support services.
5. Build a daily routine
Structure helps. Keeping a daily routine can boost your motivation, reduce isolation, and support your emotional wellbeing. Our Recovery College has a daily routine self-help guide. Our Occupational Therapists may be able to support you with building a meaningful daily routine too.
6. Involve your family
Let the people close to you be part of your recovery. Sharing your progress, setbacks, and goals helps them understand your challenges and reminds you that you’re not in this alone.
What support is available for veterans with physical injuries?
A range of support is available to help you manage your health, recover from injury, and stay independent.
NHS services
When you register with an NHS GP surgery, it's important to give them any information from your military medical officer. If you are leaving service, this is usually an FMed 133 form which summarises your medical history. This information helps your NHS GP understand your health, including any problems related to your service. It will also help make sure you're referred to veteran-specific services, where appropriate.
- Across the UK, veterans are eligible for priority access to NHS care, subject to clinical need, for any condition stemming from their time in service.
- Many GP surgeries in England and Wales are accredited as Veteran Friendly and can help you access tailored NHS support.
NHS services for veterans differ across the UK, but you can use the links below to find out more about the support offered in your region.
- Support for veterans in England
- Support for veterans in Wales
- Support for veterans in Scotland
- Support for veterans in Northern Ireland
Help for Heroes
Our team of community-based nurses and occupational therapists provide one-to-one support to aid your physical recovery. And because recovery is about more than just your body, we also provide mental health, welfare, and financial support in addition to sports and social opportunities.
The Veterans Mobility Fund
If you have a physical disability which resulted from an illness or injury sustained during your service, you may be eligible for a life-changing grant or equipment to help with your mobility.
The fund can provide equipment not usually available on the NHS. Find out more about the Veterans' Mobility Fund and how to apply.
Veteran Equip
If you are struggling with daily tasks, Veteran Equip can help. Our free online tool can help you find equipment designed to make your life easier. Just select your challenge, answer a few questions, and get a personalised report with tailored advice and product recommendations.
Financial & Practical Help
The following articles provide information about getting financial or practical support as a veteran.
Financial assistance for veterans
Veterans and disability benefits
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
The Armed Forces Independence Payment
The Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families are treated with fairness and respect in their communities, economy, and society.
Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
This should include healthcare, education and childcare, housing and accommodation, employment and financial services.
Additionally, special consideration is given in some cases, especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured and the bereaved.
You can find out more information about what this means on the government website.
How we can help
Living with a physical injury can be challenging. It often takes strength, patience, and the right support to adapt, rebuild your confidence, and move forward with your life. While not every injury will fully heal, getting the right support can improve your quality of life.
We can help you manage the impact of a physical injury. To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888.