Coping With a Sports-Related Injury

Experiencing a sports injury is frustrating and challenging to overcome. But understanding what happened, your treatment options, and maintaining a positive attitude while achieving your goals to recovery, can make the healing time move a little faster.

“The first step to success is creating a plan that will help you achieve your goals and get you back in the game,” says Dr. Todd P. Murphy, sports medicine specialist at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron.

Accept your injury – Although, the injury may not be your fault, accepting that it has occurred will allow you to focus more on your recovery rather than dwelling on the activities you can no longer do as a result.

Monitor your attitude – Maintaining a positive attitude about your recovery and rehabilitation will allow you to remain focused on the tasks and overcome your injury.

Learn about your injury and recovery – Learn as much as possible about your injury from those around you. Consider asking the following questions to avoid fear or anxiety about your recovery.

• What type of injury do I have?
• How long will my recovery take?
• How will the treatments my physician has suggested help me recover?
• What should I expect from rehabilitation?
• What alternative workouts can I do safely?

Set recovery goals – View your injury as a training challenge and set realistic goals that will help you recover faster and stronger. Setting goals will help you stay focused and motivated. Be sure to maintain your fitness level; don’t take your eye off the prize!

If you or someone you know has experienced a sports injury, visit Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron by scheduling an appointment on our appointment page, or by calling (810) 985-4900.