Athletic Injuries: How to Cope and What to Say to an Injured Athlete
We’ve all been there. Well, at least most of us have! INJURY!! It is the worst, right? Whether it is a stress fracture, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, or another mean diagnosis that keeps you from doing what you love, it can be devastating. Some people feel depressed or lonely. Others lose a sense of who they are.
When you are totally healthy, you may feel invincible. Chances are that one day you will become injured. Here are a couple of tips to consider while you are healthy:
Always warm-up. Get the blood flow moving to those muscles and warm up those joints. This becomes increasingly important as we age and may help reduce the risk of injury.
Start a good stretching routine. This may or may not prevent injury. There is a lot of mixed research out there. However, flexibility is definitely a good thing we do begin to lose it as we age. Tight muscles never helped anyone, so just do it!
Take breaks! You should vary your workout routine. This helps to give some muscles a rest and work different ones throughout the week. Sometimes you also just need complete rest, so listen to your body. When training for a big event, schedule an “off-season” after the event is over. That doesn’t mean you should sit on the couch. Just lower the intensity and duration while also trying some different activities if desired.
Find other activities that you love. It is REALLY hard when you can’t do your favorite thing. However, if you can find some other things that you really enjoy while you’re healthy, it will help to prepare you for times when you’re not. Whether it is an exercise class, hiking, or walking in a beautiful place, find a “second best” mode of activity.
There is more to you than your sport. Define yourself in many ways so that if you become injured you have other ways to identify yourself.
If you’re already in the midst of a dreaded injury, here are a few tips for Coping with an Injury:
Disconnect from any social media that makes you feel worse. If seeing friends post on Facebook about their running endeavors makes you cry a little, don’t torture yourself.
On the other hand, if cheering people on cheers you up, volunteer at a race! Hand out fluids to runners and make them feel just as amazing as other volunteers have made you feel!
Try something new. Maybe you could jump in the pool to do some deep water running or see what spin class is all about. Exercise classes can be a great outlet because of the camaraderie.
Know that you are NOT alone because almost every athlete has had an injury. If you see someone kicking butt, just remember that they were probably once where you were.
It is okay to feel sad. There is nothing wrong with missing your favorite activity. Talk to someone who will understand.
Know someone who is injured? Here is what to say to an injured athlete:
When can I meet up with you to <insert activity that they can do>?
Let’s meet for coffee and you can tell me about how your feeling and what your game plan is to work through this.
It’s okay to feel sad. I am here to listen!
I’m so sorry that this has happened.
You’re going to get through this!