HelpingtheInjuredAthletePsychologically.pptVIP

* Athletic trainers and coach must be aware of counseling role they play Deal with emotions, conflicts, and personal problems Must have skills to deal with frustrations, fears, and crises of athletes and be aware of professionals to refer to Team physician may also play a role in athletes that are overstressed Many psychological responses, thought to be emotionally related, are caused by physical dysfunction Physician/psychologist referral should be routine * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Chapter 12: Helping the Injured Athlete Psychologically An athlete’s mind is also affected when the body is injured Negative psychological response to injury often results in longer and more difficult period of rehabilitation Appropriate psychological care provided by the sports medicine team may facilitate the athlete’s return to competition Must work together to get the mind and body ready to return to competition Coaches and fitness professionals working with injured athletes must have an understanding of how athletes react to injury and the rehabilitation process The manner in which coaches and professionals support the injured athlete can have a dramatic impact on the rehabilitation process Athletes Psychological Response to Injury Athletes deal with injury differently Viewed as disastrous, an opportunity to show courage, use as an excuse for poor performance, or exhibit courage Severity of injury and length of rehab Short term (4 weeks) Long term (4 weeks) Chronic (recurring) Terminating (career ending) No matter the length of time, three reactive phases to the injury process occur Reaction to injury Reaction to rehabilitation Reaction to return to play or termination of career Other matters that must be considered are past history, coping skills, social support and personal traits Injury may impact a number of factors socially and personally Be aware of possible self-esteem issues Predictors of Injury Some psychological traits may predispos