Common knowledge tells us that sports are at least 50 percent mental. But experts say that even a 90 percent estimate is too low.
An athlete’s mental health is key to motivation, goal setting, follow-through, and dealing with injuries. In fact, injury recovery is a time when mental health seriously comes into play. Getting rehabilitation quickly after an injury is important to getting athletes on top of their game physically and mentally, explain the sports injury rehab experts at Swansea Strength & Conditioning.
More Than Broken Bones
When we think of sports injuries, we most frequently think of torn tendons and physical pain. But experts say that depression and feelings of isolation frequently plague athletes following an accident. Being sidelined due to an injury keeps individuals off the field, away from practice, and even confined, depending upon the extent of the problem. This keeps athletes away from their teammates’ enjoyable social experiences.
Additionally, injured athletes, both young and young-at-heart, can take a hit to their confidence. Feelings of discouragement may lead them to doubt their ability to return to the sport they love, hold back, or become preoccupied with the possibility of future injuries. This scenario becomes more likely when in jury removes them from the encouraging circle of their team. This scenario is a common reality, given that 48 percent of all young athletes suffer at least one injury per season, Mental Health UK says.
Healing Muscles And Minds
The quickest way to short-circuit this cycle is to get into rehab quickly. While patients need to wait until they are cleared for therapy, once they are ready, they shouldn’t delay. Qualified specialists have the expertise to evaluate and create an effective program. They also have the experience to help set realistic goals and encourage athletes that they will be able to return to doing what they love.
A quality rehabilitation program begins with a detailed injury assessment and evaluation, followed by treatment plans that address the injured area. Effective treatment plans should also include strengthening surrounding muscles to provide better support and reduce future injury risk. Sports massage and targeted stretching programs are also critical to help athletes regain their full range of motion and prevent tissue stiffness.
The Game Plan
Professional rehabilitation is vital, but adopting a healing lifestyle outside the clinic is just as critical. Therapists recommend incorporating these habits at home to return to the field sooner:
- Follow your therapy plan, including all exercises your therapist prescribes for home practice.
- Pay attention to your diet, ensuring you eat plenty of lean protein and complex carbohydrates. Don’t forget about healthy fats.
- Drink plenty of water, as hydration is important to muscle and tissue function.
- Your body heals the most during sleep, so be sure to get plenty.
- Don’t forget to use heat and ice as your therapist instructs to relieve pain and swelling.
Always wait until your doctor says you are ready to resume activity before pursuing rehab. However, delaying past that point can create long-term problems, and even prevent you from returning to a sport you love.
