Psychology of Injury Recovery

The Psychology of Returning from Injury

“It’s not just about coming back physically- it’s about trusting yourself again. The hardest part was believing I could still play at the level I was before. Once I did that, everything else followed.” - Alex Morgan

In the sports world, injury is part of the game. You break a bone, tear a ligament, strain a muscle, and you’re set on this rigorous physical rehabilitation program to get you back out there. But what often goes unspoken is the mental recovery, the emotional toll that injury brings to an athlete. Being sidelined can cause questions of identity to arise and open the flood gates of fear and doubt. So let’s talk through some key points that will help you navigate the mental comeback of an injury.

Patience & Acceptance

The first step is to accept your injury and what it means for you in the present moment. If you resist the idea of a setback or resist the fact that you are hurt & unable to compete, this will slow the mental and physical recovery process. Acknowledge your emotions that arise, as doing so gives them less power to control you, which can create space for acceptance, patience, and self-compassion  as you begin the journey to return.

Goal Setting

During the recovery process, athletes can get caught up in the main goal being “get back to playing ASAP.” While this is typically the ideal outcome goal, it can take some time to reach it. This is where process goals can come into play. Setting smaller, achievable goals that can be met throughout the recovery process can boost motivation, sense of accomplishment, and improve morale even when the rehabilitation feels slow.

Support Network

Lean on your teammates and support staff! Talking with teammates, coaches, sports psychotherapists, & other athletes who have endured injuries can help you find a positive sense of community and normalize the process. Having a strong support network can ease the fear of isolation and can reinforce hope. 

Rebuilding Confidence

Just because the team doctor or physical therapist gave you the OK to play, doesn’t quite mean you might be feeling mentally confident and trusting in your body. Be sure to reflect on how far you have come through your process. You regain self-confidence by using positive self-talk with “I Am” statements (i.e. I am strong, I am resilient, I am fast), focusing on what is in your control, and believing in yourself that you can and will return to your usual athletic capabilities. 

While injuries can feel like major setbacks, remember that with the proper mental & physical rehabilitation, you can come back stronger. Return to play isn’t just about getting back to your usual skill-set and abilities, it’s about evolving to a new, resilient, wiser version of yourself who just endured a difficult process. The return from injury process can create a deeper sense of self, increase overall confidence, and also rejuvenate your love for your sport. 

Need some support or want to discuss further? Schedule a session with me!