PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION Sports Science

Learn about the injury About the cause, treatment and prevention of their injury. Identification of the above can help the athlete overcome some negative feelings before they have time to develop. Can give the athlete a greater sense of control over their recovery. Not understanding = fear or anxiety.

TASK 1 Think of some of the questions that the athlete may ask: What have I done? How long will it take till full recovery? What treatment is best? When should I start to see an improvement? What if things are not going to plan?

Responsibility for the injury The athlete need to accept that they have an injury and can be in control of their own recovery. Once achieved, they find a greater sense of control and go through the process quickly. Blaming the injury on an outside factor just maintains negative input and slows the process down.

Monitor Attitude It is important here that psychological aspects are also considered and recorded. Why? Doesn’t mean if they were positive to start with that this will continue to be the case. If recovery is not going as planned, they can become disillusioned.

Using Support A common response is to feel isolated from teammates, coaches and friends. What can you suggest so that this does not happen? Encourage to go to training/matches Data collection etc…

Set Goals Planning or setting goals can be a very positive focus. Injury can be seen as a challenge rather than a crisis. Used to identify small improvements in the rehabilitation of the injury. Need to be realistic and in conjunction with the person in charge of the physical rehab. Athletes take advice and know their own limits!! Increase motivation setting targets

Training to stay fit Depending on injury incurred, it may be possible to continue some training which is vitally important with regards to maintaining cardiovascular conditioning or strength. Injury dealt with fitness decreased not able to return! TP – devised between coach/trainer, the therapist and player to ensure appropriateness throughout.

Summary With the right knowledge, support and patience, an injury can be overcome without it being a totally negative experience. Taking things slowly, setting realistic goals and maintaining a positive, focused approach, most athletes can overcome minor injuries quickly and major injuries in time.

Changing behaviour patterns Negative Positive Failure to take responsibility for own rehabilitation. Non-acceptance. Non-compliance/cooperation Denial of seriousness or extent of injury. Displays of depression. Bargaining with therapist over treatment and time off! Missing appointments. Displays of anger. Overdoing rehab Ask questions of the therapist to try and understand injury. Listens well to advice. Cooperation/compliance. Receptive to restrictions placed on athlete. Initiates progression of rehab at home. Early acceptance of injury. Does not bargain.