The return to training or increase in hours following injury can be influenced by how we found the experience of time off / reduced hours.
What have you enjoyed?
Doing less hours
Relax more and sleep more
What have you found difficult?
Don't like seeing the other gymnasts doing things I enjoy but I can't take part
“A phased return post injury is so important both mentally and physically– particularly with young athletes who may be tempted to jump straight back in as they are excited to get going again after missing out.
The benefits of the gradual approach...
So going back to training and gradually building up, will have a number of mental and physical benefits, including:
Gradually building confidence
Working through fears of bigger skills by having solid foundations of the basics.
Monitoring pain levels and discomfort
Reducing the chances of reinjury
Reaching the end target of a full return
If we go back in too much too soon, we may trigger a flare-up, and have to stop/start training again. We also run the risk of athletes feeling so scared of reinjury or the big skills, that they would rather quit than be pushed to rush back.
Remember these 3 steps to help you:
Return to participation - the athlete may be participating in rehabilitation or sport but at a level lower than the desired goal, but not yet "ready" medically, physically and/or psychologically.
Return to sport - the athlete has returned to sport, but not at his or her target level of performance.
Return to performance - the athlete has returned to his or her sport and is performing at or better than pre-injury level.
Think about which step you are at, or use these 3 steps to help the athletes that you coach to understand the need for the gradual approach and which step they are currently on.
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