Sports Injury Treatment & Prevention: Is your mind in the Game of Life?

Injury Prevention: Is your mind in the Game of Life?

When thinking about taking part in a sports team, local race, or activity it is important to make sure you are fully engaged in all aspects and not just going through the motions. This is important in injury prevention as well. All the hype and build up to a big game or competition can be overwhelming for athletes. When athletes become stressed or anxious it remains during the competition and this opens up room for injury. A misstep or fall can occur that can have lasting effects when the athlete’s mind is not completely focused with the activity they are performing. How can you cope with the nervousness or self -defeat that can occur leading up to competition.

1. Identify what may be distracting the athlete before the game
2. Have open dialogue among team members as to how well they are working together
3. Have a game plan, and practice that plan prior to performance
4. List out “what if” scenarios for what may go wrong during a race.
5. Have a positive attitude and objective to finishing the competition
6. Create a pre and post game/practice routine.

Meditation may help focus an athlete leading up to a competition if the problems persist. Being “game ready” is an important part to keeping your body engaged and injury free!

For more information call Dr. Jenna Cook at SportCo Rehabilitation Naperville 630.922.6500 or find us on the web at www.sportco1.com