The best part of being a parent of an athlete is watching them score a goal, hit a home run, or catch a touchdown pass. The worst part is seeing your athlete get injured playing the sport they love. Unfortunately, injuries are inevitable in sports. Getting treated for an injury is the easy part, but it’s the weeks or months of recovery and sitting out of games that are hard. Here are some tips for you and your athlete during their recovery period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regardless of whether you play for a school team or rec league, you should still try to get to your team’s games when you’re injured. Even though you are injured and can\u2019t play, you are still an integral piece of the team. Cheer your team on, applaud when someone makes a great play, and be there to comfort your teammates when games get rough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, I don\u2019t mean to be consistent with practice. Being consistent with therapy and recovery is much more important. Do whatever the doctor asks, and just remember to practice R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate). Even when you are starting to feel better, continue to rest and recuperate. The worst-case scenario is that you rush back onto the field and aggravate your injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It might take a while to return to the sport you love. When you can finally return, expect yourself to play at a much lower level than what you were used to. You haven\u2019t practiced for weeks or months, and you aren\u2019t at the same conditioning level. It will take time to get back to where you were, but that is okay. Becoming the best athlete you can be is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be patient, persistent, and understand that injuries are more than just physical pain. They can take serious mental tolls on players who come back expecting to be the same all-star-caliber player they once were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you can make a healthy return, you\u2019re going to need a lot of practice. Look into getting a private coach through Athletes Untapped. We can help you find the best coach in your area who can provide top-tier conditioning routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just understand that you will come back. If you are patient and consistent, you will be the same player, if not better, than you once were. Injuries are frustrating, but they don\u2019t mean your season is over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n