Reinjury Trauma In Sport

In regards to athletics, injuries are common, and in some cases, inevitable. The strain placed upon the body during some sports can unfortunately be threatening, as well as debilitating. Injuries are so common during athletics due to the high energy and dynamic nature of these activities. Collisions with the ground, objects and other players are frequent, and occur in all levels of sports. In addition to the physical effects of these traumas are the often disregarded psychological effects. These mental and emotional outcomes can include grief, disbelief, anger and denial, much of the same responses illustrated in the Kuhbler-Ross Model of Bereavement when dealing with loss. For some athletes, the psychological response to injury can trigger

It aimed to examine whether the dimensions of reinjury anxiety predicted perceived return-to-sport outcomes and whether coping mediated this relationship (Wadey, Podlog, Hall, Hamson-Utley, Hicks-Little, Hammer, 2014). Scientific advancements in the field of sports medicine have proved that athletes may achieve clinical and functional indicators of readiness to return to their sport before they are psychologically prepared to do so. This study suggests a direct relationship between cognitive responses and physical rehabilitation outcomes (Wadey et al., 2014). Results of this study indicated a direct correlation between the intensity of reinjury anxiety and a negative psychological recovery outcome. Suggestions for improving the instance of these negative responses include the application of coping strategies. The study concludes that “coping strategies may allow injured athletes to avoid certain negative thoughts and feelings and enable them to experience positive rehabilitation outcomes” (Wadey et al., 2014). These results depict the importance of constructive psychological support throughout the recovery process specifically in anticipation for athletes returning to their

Research suggests that psychological guidance such as social support can be extremely beneficial to an injured individual. Most of the studies discussed indicate initial negative reactions to both the injury and rehabilitation process, displaying an increased risk for negative feelings/emotions and could eventually lead to psychological disorders. Along with initial negative reactions, a portion of this research also displayed the prevalence of reinjury. Without proper social support and encouragement, athletes often experience feelings like denial. With this, they do not fully comprehend the extent of their injury sometimes causing them to return to activity before they are physically or psychologically prepared to. These research studies introduced the topics of social support and coping mechanisms as a crucial aspect of recovery and rehabilitation. As a dancer myself, I have too experience my fair share of injuries. I can attest to the conclusions of this research, and feel very connected to this topic. My physicians and physical therapists were well trained in the field of psychology in addition to their respective medical fields. I strongly believe that knowledge, guidance and support was essential to my recovery and eventual reentry into my sport again. With the implementation of proper psychological care and support throughout the injury process, athletes are more