Trainer Julie Diamond advises on how to deal with INJURY
Injuries can be devastating ...
If you're reading this chances are you're like me & count on your workouts to bring you balance, quiet your anxieties, focus your mind, soothe your soul, kick in endorphins --- as well as keep you fit & healthy!
So ... when injury occurs (injuries ranging from mild to catastrophic, i.e. plantar fascitis, torn anterior cruciate ligament, strained rotator cuff or simply sprained/strained ankle) the EMOTIONAL TOLL is as excruciating as the physical.
Athletes (professional, enthusiasts & weekend warriors alike) react to injuries with a wide range of emotions - including DENIAL, ANGER, FEAR & DEPRESSION. We curse, pout, scream, kick - if we still can, & even cry.
"I can't train for how long ..."
We know we should deal with injury gracefully ... but how ... when all we feel is loss & betrayal!
Here are a couple tips:
Psychologists say it's dealt with in stages.
1) It begins with DENIAL - denying the injury & simply trying to ignore it exists --- DO NOT GET STUCK HERE - it's DANGEROUS TERRITORY! This will only exacerbate the injury. Instead BE SMART & take a few days off to reassess the magnitude of the injury.
2) The next stage is ANGER - the feeling your body betrayed you --- DO NOT GET STUCK HERE EITHER - easier said than done but you have to find a positive outlook & begin your rehab experience ASAP.
3) Next comes the time to CONFRONT the injury --- as "athletes" we use the same exuberance in this stage as we do in training. --- so be CAREFUL --- this excitement can be both good & bad. Set realistic goals & don't go overboard. Find the right rehab prescription & follow it.
4) Here comes the SETBACKS & FEARS stage - after having made some progress you either miss a goal or enthusiasm fades & you suffer a setback. Allow yourself to acknowledge the setback & negative emotion - but don't allow it to linger. Have PATIENCE & believe in your body's magical ability to HEAL w/your proper TLC.
Now --- you may be doing fine in your progress but become fearful of reinjury & the possibility of making it worse ... have PATIENCE & listen to your body. You may even want to go back & talk to the experts.
5) Finally --- ACCEPTANCE! You have been diligent with rehab & see progress. This is encouraging & exciting because you know you are RECOVERING and on the path to training again --- only a little smarter & with more confidence.
GAME ON!
Julie Diamond, trainer