Pyschosocial Intervention by M. Rojas

4 Classifications of Injuries:

mprojas8 — 2015-03-11 01:18:33 UTC

* The severity of the injury usually determines the length of rehabilitation

1. Short-term - less than 4 weeks

2. Long-term - more than 4 weeks

3. Chronic - recurring; repeating of same injury/illness

4. Terminating - career-ending

Reactive Phases:

mprojas8 — 2015-03-11 01:31:50 UTC

* Regardless of the severity and length of rehab, the athlete has to deal with a variety of emotions

see Figure 11-2

Reaction to injury
Reaction to rehabilitation
Reaction to return

* The model to be used in evaluating sport injuries and illnesses focuses on the athlete's interpretation of the injury rather than the severity of it, known as a cognitive appraisal

- determines emotional response (anger, depression, tension)
- determines behavioral response (adherence to rehab)

Scenario 1: Derek dislocates patella for the 3rd time and experiences frustration after repeating injuries. The athlete is not eager to do rehab due to having gone through it twice already, and now lacks confidence.

Scenario 2: Karen experiences a spinal cord injury that paralyzes her from the waste down. The athlete isolates herself initially, but later is optimistic about his participation in physical activity and shows signs of renewal in returning to sports.

Scenario 3: Mikey is kneed in the thigh creating severe contusions that creates discomfort during competition. The athlete is angry having suffered through a minor injury and is impatient about the pain going away. He is eager about participating even though his doctor tells him he is ok to continue.

* See Focus Box 11-1 on psych barriers to rehab

Sociological Response to Injury

mprojas8 — 2015-03-11 02:03:08 UTC

It is important to make sure that injured athletes still feel that they are part of the team

* Athletes need for social support:

after injury athletes need teammates support to prevent feelings of negative self-worth and loss of identity
Trainer needs to establish a supporting relationship with athlete
Athlete reenters the team culture by doing sport-specific drills towards the end of rehab