Aside from the physically grueling process of returning to athletic competition after an injury, there is a psychological component as well. Ciaran Dalton, PsyD, wrote about the effects of negativity on returning to play after an injury on Philly.com.
Here are six things to know:
1. Because so much of an athlete's identity surrounds their field of competition, he or she will be shaken following an injury, leading to negative thinking.
2. This negativity gets in the way with physical rehab as the athlete may cut their rehab sessions short and dwell and focus on the pain.
3. Other athletes will see the injury as "an unlucky setback," and a chance to improve their mental fortitude. This athlete will "get back to the field sooner with less anxiety."
4. Dr. Dalton recommends athletes stay away of depression and anger after the injury and to stay motivated through their decisions regarding therapy and workouts. Motivational decisions "tend to be poor" when accompanied with negativity.
5. Short term goal setting helps the athlete stay motivated because they can see their improvements and long term goals comfort the athlete with anticipation and helps motivate them because it focuses their attention.
6. Dr. Dalton also recommends visualizing the rehab session prior to going into it and imagining the body part becoming stronger, similar to visualization on the field.