Imagery

The final phase of injury rehabilitation, the return to sport phase, consists of maximizing an athlete’s strength and agility and making sure they are ready for competition. One of the main focus’s in this phase is to reduce fear of re-injury ad also build and maintain a sense of confidence in the athlete. Negative images such as the replaying of the injury or going over negative past performances, can hinder the athletes progress to return to sport. One type of imagery that can be used at this stage includes visual images of the athlete’s successful past performances. This can enhance confidence when returning to competition and can reassure the athlete that the recovering joint can perform at 100% without limitation. The imagery script below is a personal example of one that I would have when I tore my MCL during the track and field season my junior year of high school. I believe that this tool would have helped me tremendously in the recovery process allowing me to return to play with a greater sense of self confidence and ability.

As I begin to start preparing for the race, shaking out my legs and rolling my ankles in circles (my pre-competition habits), I notice the atmosphere around me, the sunny skies, refreshing cool breeze, perfect day. My heartbeat is calm; my palms are cool and dry, no anxiety, its comforting. I feel a wave of relaxation spreading from the middle of my forehead across my eyes and down my cheeks through my neck and rushing outwards to my fingers; I give them a squeeze to let it all go. My shoulders and chest are relaxed and my tummy is at ease. I can feel this wave going all the way down through thighs, calves, and down to my feet. Totally relaxed, this is the feeling I get before I run a race, MY race. While doing some stretching before taking my sweats off, I think about my goal for the race. I say to myself I am prepared and that I can and will win this race, and I am feeling strong and powerful. Today is the day when I am going to...