Bouncing Back After an Injury with Sports Psychology

When you suffer from a sports related injury, bouncing back to peak physical condition can be tough.  And if you want to continue enjoying the activities you love without the pain of injury, rehab and sports therapy is crucial. But what about mentally? A sports related injury can not only wreak havoc on your body – it can be tough mentally as well. If you have suffered an injury that has kept you from the track, field, ice, etc., or if you are dealing with the stress of competition (which can also impede performance), it is important to make sure that both your body and your mind recuperate properly.

What is sports psychology? Sports psychology is the study of how sports, athletic performance, exercise and physical activity are influenced and affected by psychology. Sports psychologists work with a diverse range of people, focusing on things like injuries, rehabilitation, communication, team building, and career transitions. A sports psychologist may work with a single individual, a group of coaches, or entire teams to enhance performance, effectively cope with the pressures of competition, and promote or rebuild self-confidence and self-esteem.

How can sports psychology work for you? There are a number of different techniques that sports psychologists utilize to build a strong mental state in the minds of athletes. These can include arousal regulation, imagery, goal-setting and self-talk. By working through and talking about any issues, a sports psychologist can help to identify things which may be holding you back, as well as motivating and getting you back to a pre-injured mental state. Regaining the confidence that one can often lose after a sports related injury can seriously impact the ability to perform.   Overcoming this is a vital part of sports psychology.

Competition and the stress that accompanies it can also take a toll, as well as inhibit performance, so a sports psychologist offers a way around suffering from it.  Sports psychology can also help to motivate and set goals for future performance, helping you achieve your greatest potential.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with the stress of competition, or need the motivation to set and achieve goals for the future, an experienced sports psychologist can assist you on your road to addressing issues that may hold you back. Make sure that your body and mind are both in peak physical condition – harmony between the two can result in a rewarding and successful athletic experience.

For more information about the benefits of sports psychology, or to make an appointment with our registered sports psychologist Dr. Kate Hays, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit us at www.aesmphysiotherapytoronto.ca.