Sports Injury PsychologyDavid Smith MS ATC

Sports Medicine 1

InjuryWhen the body is injured the mind is also

affectedResearch 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

How to Treat an Injured AthletePsychologically the athlete will be

devastated after major injuryKeep athlete as involved as possible

during rehabMust be positive in your approach at

all timesSet Goals (Daily, Weekly, Monthly..)

How to Treat an Injured AthleteNever Lie to the athleteLet them know they are making

progressNever let them feel sorry for

themselvesKnow who you are dealing with

Psychological Reaction to Loss or InjuryDenial

Anger

Bargaining

Depression

Acceptance

Emotional First AidNormal Reaction

Be calm and reassuring

Over ReactionAllow athlete to vent

Under ReactionBe empatheticEncourage them to talk and express feelings

Psychological Response based on Length of Rehab

Short (<4 weeks)Reaction to Injury is Shock and ReliefReaction to Rehab is Impatience and OptimismReaction to Return is Eagerness and

Anticipation

Long (> 4 Weeks)Reaction to Injury is Fear and AngerReaction to Rehab is Loss of Interest, Irrational

Thoughts and AlienationReaction to Return is acknowledgement

Chronic (Recurring)Reaction to Injury is Anger and FrustrationReaction to Rehab is either a Dependence or

IndependenceReaction to Return is Confident or Skeptical

Termination (Career Ending)Reaction to Injury is Isolation and a Grief

ProcessReaction to Rehab is Loss of Athletic IdentityReaction to Not Returning is Closure and

Renewal

Example of Mark at UNM with ACL Injury

Considerations for the CoachA 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

Considerations for the CoachNeglected 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

Return to PlayCoaches 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

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

Things a Coach can do to help the AthletesEstablish a rapport with the athleteEarn the athletes trustEstablish good communicationHave an interest in the athlete prior

to injuriesBe a good listener

Things a Coach can do to help the AthletesLook the athletes in the eye to show

listeningDon’t neglect or ignore the athletesFacilitate social support of the teamInclude the athlete in their feelings

of return to play

Predictors Of Injury1) Injury Prone Athlete

Those who take risksTraits tend to be reservedDetached or tender minded ApprehensiveOver ProtectiveEasily distracted players

Predictors of Injury cont.2) Stress

May be Positive or NegativePositive are making all state teamNegative tend to lead to risk of injury

Negative examples are failing drug tests, not starting, costing the team the game

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

Observing Stress in AthletesThe 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

What Causes Stress?Training too hard w/o rest (Overtraining)Coach who is like a drill sergeantLack of positive reinforcement and

encouragementNegative statementsUnreasonable expectations by self, coach,

parents, teammates

Interventions for Stress ReductionUnfortunately 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.

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

Using BuffersBuffers 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!!

Buffers cont.This activity gets them through the tough

times of extreme stressSome buffers that may help are Relaxation

techniques, imagery, exercise, reduction of caffeine, treatment for sleep disorders and time management programs.

Relaxation TechniquesThese 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

ImageryImagery is the use of all senses to create or

recreate an experience in the mind.Visual rehearsal, emotive imagery rehearsal

and body rehearsalAthletes 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

Create your own ImageryWe will now have you create your own imagery

I will give you some examples Now write your own imagery and hand inWrite your name and period on it