1. Sports Injury Psychology
David Smith MS ATC
Sports Medicine 1

2. Injury When the body is injured the mind is also affected
Research shows that athletes who experience negative response to injury have a longer and more difficult recovery
The nature of interaction with the coach, teammates, friends and ATC affect recovery either +/-
We must pay attention to the athletes MIND as well as their body to help them return to play

3. How to Treat an Injured Athlete
Psychologically the athlete will be devastated after major injury
Keep athlete as involved as possible during rehab
Must be positive in your approach at all times
Set Goals (Daily, Weekly, Monthly..)

4. How to Treat an Injured Athlete
Never Lie to the athlete
Let them know they are making progress
Never let them feel sorry for themselves
Know who you are dealing with

5. Psychological Reaction to Loss or Injury
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

6. Emotional First Aid Normal Reaction Over Reaction Under Reaction
Be calm and reassuring
Over Reaction
Allow athlete to vent
Under Reaction
Be empathetic
Encourage them to talk and express feelings

7. Psychological Response based on Length of Rehab
Short (<4 weeks)
Reaction to Injury is Shock and Relief
Reaction to Rehab is Impatience and Optimism
Reaction to Return is Eagerness and Anticipation

8. Long (> 4 Weeks) Reaction to Injury is Fear and Anger
Reaction to Rehab is Loss of Interest, Irrational Thoughts and Alienation
Reaction to Return is acknowledgement

9. Chronic (Recurring) Reaction to Injury is Anger and Frustration
Reaction to Rehab is either a Dependence or Independence
Reaction to Return is Confident or Skeptical

10. Termination (Career Ending)
Reaction to Injury is Isolation and a Grief Process
Reaction to Rehab is Loss of Athletic Identity
Reaction to Not Returning is Closure and Renewal
Example of Mark at UNM with ACL Injury

11. Considerations for the Coach
A coaches perception of the athlete makes a difference in that athletes recovery time and effort to come back
The coach needs to listen to the athlete beyond the complaining
Should listen for anger, depression or anxiety in their voice and actions

12. Considerations for the Coach
Neglected athletes or treating them like “outcasts” can contribute to an injury or re-injury.
Coaches who treat their players like they have no self worth when injured are not received well
Some coaches refuse to talk to the athlete or tell his teammates that he is “soft” or that he/she doesn’t want to play or isn’t tough enough

13. Return to Play
Coaches need to help the athlete when returning to play after injury not hinder them
It is the toughest part of the rehab process and the athlete will need encouragement

14. Return to Play “you have to play with pain”?
“Give it up for the sport or my team”?
“I’m Invincible”?
Lack of this attitude may make them viewed as not being a team player or they are weak

15. Things a Coach can do to help the Athletes
Establish a rapport with the athlete
Earn the athletes trust
Establish good communication
Have an interest in the athlete prior to injuries
Be a good listener

16. Things a Coach can do to help the Athletes
Look the athletes in the eye to show listening
Don’t neglect or ignore the athletes
Facilitate social support of the team
Include the athlete in their feelings of return to play

17. Predictors Of Injury 1) Injury Prone Athlete Those who take risks
Traits tend to be reserved
Detached or tender minded
Apprehensive
Over Protective
Easily distracted players

18. Predictors of Injury cont.
2) Stress
May be Positive or Negative
Positive are making all state team
Negative tend to lead to risk of injury
Negative examples are failing drug tests, not starting, costing the team the game

19. Predictors of Injury cont.
These lead to lack of focus and increased muscle tension therefore leading to injury
Lack of Focus may lead to miscues
Increased Tension leads to pulls, tears or major injuries

20. Observing Stress in Athletes
The coach is often the 1st to realize the athlete is becoming burned out, MUST back off!!
ATC must realize if the athlete enters the game or practice angry, frustrated or discouraged, can make them more prone to injury

21. What Causes Stress? Training too hard w/o rest (Overtraining)
Coach who is like a drill sergeant
Lack of positive reinforcement and encouragement
Negative statements
Unreasonable expectations by self, coach, parents, teammates

22. Interventions for Stress Reduction
Unfortunately many coaches don’t have an interest in or ability to work with athletes who need help
Coaches of smaller teams may notice if one of the athletes is having problems.

23. Interventions cont.
If they notice something wrong refer them to someone that can get them help.
Need to do this quietly so it is not made a team issue that may embarrass the athlete

24. Using Buffers
Buffers are techniques that alleviate symptoms but do not address the problems.
Many athletes feel that the sport they play is the ONLY POSITIVE thing in their life!!

25. Buffers cont.
This activity gets them through the tough times of extreme stress
Some buffers that may help are Relaxation techniques, imagery, exercise, reduction of caffeine, treatment for sleep disorders and time management programs.

26. Relaxation Techniques
These allow athletes to control stress with a series of deep breathing, voluntary muscle contractions and relaxation exercises
Athletes that are coping well on own should not be forced into these exercises
We will do these relaxation techniques as a class

27. Imagery
Imagery is the use of all senses to create or recreate an experience in the mind.
Visual rehearsal, emotive imagery rehearsal and body rehearsal
Athletes visualize their success in competition beginning with basic skills to game situations
Body rehearsal helps the athlete in their healing process
Not all athletes respond to this technique

28. Create your own Imagery
We will now have you create your own imagery
I will give you some examples
Now write your own imagery and hand in
Write your name and period on it