Psychological rehabilitation from sports injuries.

Abstract

Medical professionals realise the importance of incorporating psychological strategies into rehabilitation from athletic injury, but often feel they lack the knowledge to do so. This paper explores the role which psychology can play when injured athletes are rehabilitating. Rehabilitation from sport injury involves not only physical, but psychological considerations. Topics include: the post-injury emotional and cognitive reactions of athletes, the importance of social support, the athlete's attitude toward recovery, the therapist's, physician's and coach's roles during rehabilitation, strategies to increase adherence, and effective communication between client and medical professionals. Considerations for returning to practice and competition are also discussed.