Recovering mentally from a sports injury is just as important as physical therapy and other sports medicine services, since mental toughness is paramount to athletic success. While it is normal to experience frustration, sadness, irritability, and anger after sustaining a sports injury, nurturing your mental and emotional health is better for recovery. If you recently sustained an injury on the field of play, keep these mental wellness tips in mind. 

Mental Wellness Tips For Injured Athletes

1. Learn More About Your Injury

Researching your injury using reliable sources like the National Library of Medicine helps answer any questions you have, as does joining athletic forums or groups. Learning more about the injury eases related anxieties and avoids common mistakes that delay your recovery. You might also discover complementary techniques that support your physical therapy regimen, such as acupuncture, massage, and cupping. 

2. Focus on the Positives 

Spending time and energy on the negative aspects of your injury doesn’t help you feel better. Focusing on the positives in your life helps you maintain an upbeat mindset, as does saying kind things to yourself. For example, dismiss thoughts such as “When will I play again?” or “I’m having so much trouble getting around today” in favor of “I can’t wait to get back on the field,” “I’m so happy about my progress and spending time with my friends,” and “I am getting stronger and healthier every day.” 

3. Set Achievable Goals

Pushing yourself while rehabbing from an injury can extend the recovery period and cause more discomfort. Setting realistic goals allows you to stay in the “recovery zone” while maintaining a positive mindset about the future. Examples of achievable goals include walking an additional five minutes every day in preparation for a charitable walk, or wading along the coastline daily to build up muscle strength for a community fun run. 

For quality sports medicine services that support a healthy recovery, trust Orthopedic Associates of Hawaii. Offering physical therapy and many other rehabilitative services to residents throughout Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island since 1968, this facility is known for providing high-quality, compassionate care. Call (808) 536-2261 today to schedule a consultation or visit the website for more about physical therapy and other sports medicine services.