Psychological prevention and treatment and rehabilitation for sports injuries

Abstract

Scientists in fields have studied sport injuries for decades. Sport injuries are often associated with muscle, bone and soft tissue damage. Meanwhile, psychological factors that are related to sports injuries are overlooked. This study demonstrates the psychological antecedents to sports injuries as well as psychological approaches in treatment and rehabilitation. There are several psychological antecedents to sports injuries, such as psychological needs to sports injuries, stress, and psychological reactions to injury. Dealing with these antecedents aids in preventing the adverse outcomes. In addition, stress response of athletes is discussed by applying a stress model. With the acknowledgement of the psychological mechanism behind an injury, interventions that target minimizing psychological distress and maximizing psychological needs are also summarized. Stress control strategies are vital to successful rehabilitation and return to a sport. Moreover, the rehabilitated athletes' psychological needs must be met and promptly dealing with the fear of re-injury ensures better rehabilitation outcomes.