Control

Take the reins of what is in your control. If possible, aim for injury prevention in the first place; minimize fear of injury or re-injury through educational resources (such as your clinicians or this website) and boost confidence through self-efficacy  techniques.

If injury has already occurred, follow the recovery and rehabilitation instructions from your surgeon, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. Ask questions if you are confused of the ‘how’ or ‘why’ of an exercise or instruction. Your healthcare team will not judge you and truly want to see you confident in your healing. If healing seems physically uncontrollable, like when you’re waiting for surgery, adopt a fighting spirit: trust the ability of your surgeon and your body to heal.

Set a schedule for your day. This might include when you do your at-home exercises.

Lastly, as always, an athlete’s social support group should monitor mental health changes and symptoms when no injury is present, immediately after any injury and surgery, during rehabilitation, and while returning to activity.