You have sustained an athletic injury and will be out of practice and competition for a while. As an athlete, your primary concern is getting well as soon as possible so you can return to competition. The injury has done more than just physical damage - it also effects your thoughts, emotions, attitude and images. In rehabilitation, the physical as well as the mental effects of injury should be considered.
GUIDELINES FOR INJURED ATHLETES
After an injury, athletes will typically respond with a range of emotions such as denial, shock, anger, and depression regarding the "unfairness" of the injury. Although this is a natural reaction, athletes need to move beyond these feelings and take steps that will help them cope with the injury. Following are several guidelines that will positively influence the rehabilitation process. It is important to note that these guidelines list skills that athletes already use to influence athletic performance. By adhering to these guidelines athletes may be able to speed-up recovery and improve psychological skills in the process.
APPROACH THE INJURY AS A CHALLENGE
As a competitive athlete, you continually face challenges that you and your coach must attempt to overcome. The same is true with injuries. Rather than viewing the injury as a crisis that must be endured, it should be seen as a challenge that you and your athletic trainer will strive to conquer. The injury can be viewed as yet another test of your desire and determination. It is most productive to approach it with the attitude, "I won't let this get the best of me."
ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
The injury has happened to YOU - not your coach, teammates, parents, or athletic trainers. It is up to you to assume responsibility for rehabilitation. Others are there to help, but ultimately the hard work is up to you. You need to ask yourself, "What do I need to do to recover from this injury?" By assuming responsibility and accepting the task at hand, you are putting yourself in control.
ASK QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR INJURY
Not knowing what to expect regarding your injury can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety. It is important to ask your doctor or athletic trainer questions such as:
KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
As a competitive athlete, you have learned to be committed to your sport, maintain a positive focus and concentrate on your strengths. The same holds true for injuries. To enhance rehabilitation, you need to be committed to overcoming your injury by showing up for all treatments, working hard, and listening to the athletic trainers. You also need to monitor what you are thinking and saying to yourself regarding the injury and the rehabilitation process. Are your thoughts and images positive and focused on recovery or are they negative and self-defeating? To get the most our of your daily rehabilitation, you need to maintain a positive, confident attitude and a focus on what needs to be done each day.
SEEK SOCIAL SUPPORT
A common response after an injury is for athletes to isolate themselves from teammates, coaches and friends because they feel these relationships have changed now that they are not an active athlete'. It is important to maintain relationships and try to keep things as they were prior to injury. These individuals can be a source of strength when you become frustrated, can listen when you need to vent some anger, or can offer advice or encouragement during your rehabilitation. Just knowing you don't have to face the injury alone can be a great comfort and can ease the trauma of the injury. So, try to remain visible, by being an active member of the team by attending practices, meetings and competitions.
IDENTIFY GOALS AND STRATEGIES
In your sport, your probably have specific goals you want to achieve. To help reach these goals, you know that you need to develop strategies or a plan to move you in the right direction. In the rehabilitation of your injury, it also helps to set goals and develop specific strategies to reach them. By setting goals related to recovery, you will have something to focus on everyday in the training room. This can help with motivation. Additionally, by monitoring the goals you will be able to notice small improvements in the rehabilitation of your injury and will feel confident that you are on the right track. It may help to work with a trainer to set realistic goals that are in-line with the stage of your rehabilitation. Athletes have a tenancy to try to speed-up recovery by doing too much too soon.
UTILIZE OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES
Mental training counselors are available to offer support or teach psychological skills to aid your rehabilitation. Skills such as relaxation, mental imagery, and positive self-talk have been found to be effective in recovery from an injury. These same skills can be used during rehabilitation, practice, competition and other areas unrelated to sport. Physical training specialists are available to design workout programs to maintain your fitness level and sport skills during rehabilitation. Also, modified weight training and exercise programs can be designed based on your specific injury. Make use of the various support services that are available to assist in your recovery.