06 | Returning to Play

Once you’ve been cleared by sport medicine professionals to return to play, you will likely have mixed emotions. You may be excited and also apprehensive. You made it through the initial injury and completed the rehab process all to reach this moment. Ideally, your sport medicine professionals will help you slowly reintegrate into practice and play. As you do, you may experience some mental and emotional obstacles you didn’t expect. Let’s look at a few of them.

Mixed Emotions

The thrill of being back in action is often accompanied by a complex array of feelings. There's the joy of reclaiming something you love, tempered by the memory of the injury that sidelined you. It's natural to feel a surge of adrenaline mingled with a touch of anxiety. Embracing these mixed emotions and acknowledging their presence is the first step towards finding balance as you return to play.

Anxiety About Re-injury

One of the most prevalent fears that athletes face when returning to play is the anxiety about re-injury. After the grueling process of injury, recovery, and rehabilitation, the thought of going through it all over again can be incredibly daunting. This fear can often lead to hesitation in play, which not only affects performance but can ironically increase the risk of injury. Athletes must work closely with their sport medicine professionals to understand their recovery progress and regain the confidence needed to play fearlessly.

Frustration With Performance

Another challenge that can surface is frustration with performance. Athletes may find that they're not able to perform at the same level as before the injury, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Remember that recovery is a process, and it's normal for performance to take some time to return to pre-injury levels. Patience, perseverance, and a positive mindset are crucial during this stage of the return to play journey.

Uneasiness with Team Dynamics

While you were focusing on recovering, your team likely had to reconfigure the dynamics and organization. Someone likely filled your role. Interactions were a little different. That is a part of team dynamics…they are constantly changing. It's essential to communicate openly with the team and coaching staff about your feelings and concerns. Remember, team dynamics are fluid and constantly changing, and everyone must work together to reintegrate the returning player smoothly.