What if I can’t play again? What’s going to happen to me?
These are some of the questions and worries a young athlete might have after an injury. They often don’t know what will happen next, and this can lead to even more questions:
“How serious is my injury, and how long will I be out?” Will I stay on the team, or is this the end of my sports journey?
Whether young athletes dream of going pro or simply enjoy being active, injuries can bring big changes and new challenges. The key question is: how can we help young athletes cope with this pain? Adults face challenges after injuries, too, but it can be even harder for kids and teens who don’t have as much experience in life.
HEADER experts believe that helping kids handle these feelings can make recovery easier and faster. In this way, we have the chance to shape the future of our next generation.
Useful Tips for Coaches Or/And Parents
Help Reduce Pain with Positive Activities
Emotional pain can feel just as strong as physical pain after an injury. Managing these emotions is a big part of recovery. HEADER Studies show that our feelings can change how we experience pain, and pain can feel worse when we:
- Feel negative emotions like anger or sadness
- Think the pain will never go away
- Believe the pain is out of our control
On the other hand, positive experiences like listening to music, looking at pleasant pictures, or laughing can help reduce pain. Fun activities like watching movies or playing games can distract young athletes from pain and make it feel less intense. It’s important to keep living life after an injury, so help your athlete try new hobbies or return to old ones they enjoy.
Use Role Models for Inspiration
According to Albert Bandura, a psychologist, people learn by watching others. How can this help an injured athlete? Researchers in New Zealand found that people who watched videos of others doing good rehab activities, like climbing stairs or stretching, felt more confident and ready to recover. Young athletes can also look for role models online, like top athletes who talk about their rehab experiences on YouTube. Parents and coaches can show a positive attitude by trusting the rehab process and focusing on recovery.
Encourage Choice, Skill-Building, and a Sense of Belonging
Self-Determination Theory says motivation and success depend on three things:
Choice: Letting athletes make their own decisions
Skill-Building: Helping them succeed at tasks
Belonging: Making sure they feel valued
If young athletes feel too much pressure, they may want to give up. Help build their independence by letting them join in on their rehab plan. Many young athletes want to please parents and coaches, so they may follow what adults say without question. But turning rehab into another test of performance can add stress. Encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and goals. Setting flexible goals can build their confidence.
A sense of belonging is also very important. An injured athlete may come to practice but feel left out. Ask what kind of support they need. Coaches can find ways to involve injured athletes in team activities to help them feel valued. Parents, if your child avoids group activities because of crutches, encourage them to connect with others. This can lift their mood as they recover.
Boost Mood and Motivation with Mental Skills
Studies show that skills like deep breathing, positive self-talk, visualization, and journaling can improve mood, help manage pain, and support rehab. These skills are helpful for both sports and recovery. Practicing deep breathing or repeating simple phrases to focus on certain muscles during rehab can lower stress, especially as they prepare to return to sports.
Explain the Difference Between Discomfort and Injury
As young athletes progress in therapy and start new drills, feeling some pain is normal. They may be practicing moves they haven’t done for weeks or months, sometimes repeating the move that caused the injury. While “listening to your body” is good advice, some discomfort doesn’t always mean they’re hurting themselves. Athletes may avoid certain movements out of fear, which can actually slow their progress.
Understand the Risks of Sports
Returning to sports has some risks, like getting hurt again. This can be a tough topic, but it’s important to think about what matters most in life. After a serious injury, returning to sports might not be the best idea. This is why it’s important to support young athletes as they make their own decisions and help them connect those choices to their values.
Remember, with these steps, you’ll not only speed up their recovery but also help them grow stronger and more confident. Btw, if you have further questions, we invite you to download our HEADER App, which provides essential information for supporting young athletes in the recovery process.
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