6 Lessons I learned Battling injury as an athlete in college
I was a pitcher in college and constantly battled injury after tearing my labrum in my throwing arm. I never fully recovered from my injury, but the lessons I learned have helped me as a PT in helping others recover from their own injuries and getting back to what they enjoy doing. To follow are 6 lessons I learned and continue to use as a foundation when it comes to physical therapy and rehab. This was a recent video posted to our Instagram page **
1- There’s a difference between pain and discomfort
I had the issue of pushing through pain too much, to the point of not being able to pick up my arm. Some may need to forget about discomfort and push through it, but pushing through pain can be detrimental.
This is a somewhat extreme example - But Arnold Schwarzenegger used to say “I did not count my reps, I started counting when it started hurting”. He was able to push through discomfort, because the reward was on the other side of discomfort.
2- Mobility often keeps you moving well
I often remind clients moving often over time is better than moving a lot every once in a while. Meals vs Snacks. Especially if battling injury, it’s important to work on mobility that limits you as often as you do your sport/activity.
3- Rehab should look like strength training
Light band and “PT” exercises only get you so far, you’ll never get back to a high level without focusing on strength and power in the gym. The “PT” exercises are still important of course, to prevent further injury.
4- There’s a difference between Strength and Power
Strength is how much weight you can lift. Power is how quickly you can move it. Each sport is different, but most require speed and power to be competitive
5- Work on your mentality and confidence, it is a skill
I personally lacked confidence in my ability after shoulder surgery. My body wasn’t able to do what I expected it to do. No one can give you self-confidence, you have to develop it. Sports psychologists and coaches who are tuned in can help to some degree.
6- Focus on this day and moment
It’s easy to get sucked into looking at a long term goal and get 10 steps ahead of yourself, when you just need to focus on the one next step. This is true for all aspects of life. Do your best each day, keep the long-term goal in your view, and the rest will take care of itself.
Most of these lessons, I learned the hard way. Having known this would have made the road straighter and easier to travel. I hope you can use these in your own recovery, if you have an injury, or refer to them if you do end up having a surgery down the road.
If you want more content any of these topics - there are books/videos and other people who speak about each of these topics, I would love to share with you. Please reach out if you’re interested.
Links to know us more:
Phone number - 509-540-4889
Email - byltpt@gmail.com
Some relevant links:
Mindset by Carol Dweck
Youtube video for self-confidence in sports
Story of the man and the horse
I will provide more, if you email/text/reach out on our contact form!
