Working with Injured Athletes

For the duration of the season, we of course have our handful of injuries. Currently I have set aside Tuesday and Thursday mornings strictly for them. Putting this time aside has made it easy to be very individual with these guys. Some are out for a couple weeks and a few for the year but no matter they always show either a serious asymmetry or poor/weak strength in very specific area which can be strengthened as much as possible before return to play. So far those that have returned haven't had to come back which is great and they continue there workouts but, it is those that are done for the year that need more than strengthening and ROM work.

One of the hardest things when your hurt is the fact that can't do what they love doing. There is always a denial, followed by some sort of depressed feelings, and hopefully acceptance occurs quickly. But, the emotional state of the injured athlete can hold you back if you ignore it.
Set them up for success
When someone is hurt they obviously lost something they did very well. It may be kicking, throwing, jumping whatever. So in setting them up for success, you might want to add in a lift or movement you know that will improve quickly. Make them aware of any increase in strength or ROM. This will make them feel like they re making progress. Attack something that is there weakest point whether its a flexibility or strength issue just hammer it so they notice great improvement.

Be real With Them
It seems like every time we have a workout they always spend at least the beginning of the workout or some of the rest periods talking about what they used to be able to do. "before I was hurt..." "I wish I could do _____ again" and so forth. Many of these guys weren't cleared to workout for a month, some were hurt coming in and hadn't lifted in longer periods of time. You have to explain the facts that they loose certain qualities that were previously well developed. If they are really interested in why explain the physiology and what qualities will be first to go, the residuals they lost and need back, and they effects of they asymmetry built due to compensating during there injuries. They just need to know that it's normal not to be where they were at.

Set Goals
This is something that is huge and almost automatic. Every player has said to me usually day one that I hope to be back at this date or I want to be able to do this by that date. This is a great time to talk with them about some legitimate goals and explain how if they are serious about them that they have to be consistent. That is where the previous stuff comes into play where you can track progress toward goals and make sure they are realistic. Of course you need short term goals and long term goals so making sue they are achieving something on a regular basis but while still striving for the ultimate achievement.