1. Other Injury Reactions
Identity Loss
When athletes can no longer participate because of an injury, they may experience a loss of personal identity. That is, an important part of themselves is lost, seriously affecting self-concept.

2. Other Injury Reactions
Fear and Anxiety
When injured, athletes can experience high levels of fear and anxiety. They worry whether they will recover, if reinjury will occur, and whether someone will replace them permanently in the lineup. Because the athlete cannot practice and compete, there’s plenty of time for worry.

3. Other Injury Reactions
Lack of Confidence
Given the inability to practice and compete and their deteriorated physical status, athletes can lose confidence after an injury. Lowered confidence can result in decreased motivation, inferior performance, or additional injury because the athlete overcompensates.

4. Other Injury Reactions
Performance Decrements
Because of the lowered confidence and missed practice time, athletes may experience postinjury performance declines. Many athletes who have difficulty lowering expectations after an injury expect to immediately return to a preinjury level of performance.

5. Signs of Poor Adjustment to Athletic Injuries
Feelings of anger and confusion
Obsession with the question of when one can return to play
Denial (e.g., “The injury is no big deal”)
Repeatedly coming back too soon and experiencing reinjury
Exaggerated bragging about accomplishments
(continued)

6. Signs of Poor Adjustment to Athletic Injuries
Dwelling on minor physical complaints
Guilt about letting the team down
Withdrawal from significant others
Rapid mood swings
Statements indicating that no matter what is done, recovery will not occur

7. Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation
KEYS—
A holistic approach is needed, emphasizing the healing of both the mind and body.
Psychological factors play an important role in injury recovery (Ievleva & Orlick, 1991).
Injury treatment should include psychological techniques to enhance the healing and recovery process.
(continued)

8. Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation
KEYS—
Using relaxation and imagery during rehabilitation reduces anxiety and was associated with greater knee strength in athletes after knee surgery.
Psychological factors (e.g., self-talk, goal setting, self-motivation) also positively affect adherence to injury treatment protocols.

9. Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation
Understand the three-phase process of rehabilitation and recovery:
Injury-illness phase
Rehabilitation-recovery phase
Return to full activity phase