205 Rehabilitation And Returning To Sport: How To Support Injured Athletes

Today's podcast episode looks at how we as Sports Psychologists support injured athletes.

My guest, Dr Carl Bescoby, the Injury Psychologist, goes on to share his knowledge in our discussion about the psychological and emotional difficulties that athletes can face, especially in the case of long-term injuries.  Strategies to help athletes during the rehabilitation process, as well as, how they can help themselves become psychologically ready to return to sport are highlighted. 

Key Learning Points:

• The cultural side of some sports can contribute to some injuries, eg. playing through the pain barrier to remain in the team.
• When is an athlete psychologically ready to return to the sport should be considered by coaching staff.
• Suffering long-term injuries can be very difficult where athletes feel many different emotions similar to grieving such as shock, denial, anger, low mood, depression and acceptance in no particular order.
• Loss of identity can impact many athletes as they come to terms with their injury.
• It’s important to give athletes space to process difficult emotions and normalise the process, as a practitioner.
• Visualisation is one strategy that can help athletes return to their sport with their confidence intact.

Connect with Dr Carl Bescoby

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The Injury Psychologist Website

Connect with David Charlton

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Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

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To listen to relevant podcast episodes that link to Mental Health

Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

Ep124: Dr Keagan Hadley – Long Term Injuries: How to Confront Difficult Thoughts and Emotions

Ep136: Charlotte Potts – Overcoming Tough Times in Professional Women’s Football and Bouncing Back Stronger

Ep138: Nick Littlehales – Why do the Mentally Tough see Sleep and Recovery as Important

Ep158: Paul Gorczynski – How to Develop and Implement Mental Health Literacy Strategies

Other Useful Resources linked to Mental Health

Blog - 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

Blog – How to Find Your Why 

Blog – Mental Health Guidance for Coaches When Supporting Athletes

Blog: Using ACT and Mindfulness to Improve Your Sporting Performances

Blog: How Mentally Healthy is Your Clubs Sporting Environment