Injury Recovery: Getting Back in the Game

If a hockey injury has you sidelined, your mental focus can help get you back in the game faster

Injury Recovery: Getting Back in the Game

A physically demanding sport like hockey is exciting to play and watch. But as we all know, there is always the risk of injury to players, to a lesser or greater degree. Even top-shape athletes trained at the highest levels may eventually succumb to a hockey injury, and it’s important to make a full recovery before hitting the ice again. 

The body’s natural rebuilding powers—coupled with cutting-edge physical therapy and treatment—mean that it’s possible to recover from almost any sports-related injury, within reason. 

Injury brings with it more than physical challenges, however. Psychological factors can often be overlooked, but are of vital importance in making a full recovery. Even when a player has made a full physical recovery, they may not be mentally ready to participate in top-level sports due to a psychological setback. 

Physical health and mental well-being go hand in hand, and one aids the other’s recovery. Remaining goal-focused is an important part of recovery. Let’s take a closer look. 

Staying Positive for Injury Recovery

It’s important to stay positive when sidelined by an injury. It’s all too easy to become depressed, frustrated or impatient (or all three), so maintaining a positive outlook will reap dividends when it comes to making a full recovery. 

A big part of that is accepting that injuries are a part of the sport, and managing your expectations. Focus on what you can do to aid your recovery, rather than dwelling on the frustration of being sidelined. 

This means setting realistic goals, which will help you mentally as well—breaking down your recovery into manageable milestones. Whether it’s regaining mobility, improving strength, or making progress in rehabilitation, small victories help maintain motivation.

Visualization Techniques

Even while injured, hockey players can enhance their performance by mentally rehearsing game situations and techniques. 

Visualisation helps sustain focus and builds confidence by cognitively practicing shooting techniques, or other fundamentals like skating and passing. This also helps an injured player to stay in tune with the game, and can also help to reinforce muscle memory. 

Engage with the Team

Just because you can’t skate out for a game doesn’t mean you don’t have to be involved with your team. In fact, it’s all the more reason to pitch in and help with other duties to maintain close ties with your teammates.

Attending practices and games allows you to observe plays, strategies and team dynamics, and will probably give your team a boost as well. 

You could also assist in other team activities, such as mentoring younger players, scouting, or offering input and insight into game strategies. Communicating with coaches and other players will help you stay up to speed with any changes in team direction, as well as keeping everyone informed about the progress of your recovery. 

Focus on the Physical 

Remember, recovering from an injury isn’t just a question of sitting around and waiting to get better. You need to take an active role in recovery, and that means participating in the healing process. This means working closely with doctors, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals, following their treatment plans and rehabilitation carefully. 

Whenever possible, you should stay physically active (with your doctor’s approval). It may be possible to do some light training, core strengthening, flexibility exercises and stationary biking. This is good for mental well-being as well as physical health, which is an important part of recovery. 

And of course you should also focus on nutrition—eating protein-rich foods, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep to accelerate healing.

Hockey Skills

Just because you aren’t up to full fitness doesn’t mean you can’t brush up on your hockey skills during your downtime. 

Stick handling is one area where you can probably practice (again, check with your healthcare provider), and working on puck control can keep your hands and eyes sharp. 

Take the time to analyze professional games to help you gain strategic insights. And if possible, review your past performances to help refine your hockey IQ. 

You can also seek to enhance your mental toughness. There are plenty of books or podcasts available that explore the mindsets of elite athletes, and how they have overcome adversity (often due to injury). Understanding these mental aspects of sports can be as important as physical drills and training. 

Being an injured hockey player is challenging. But by focusing on recovery, with attainable goals and milestones, you can make the goal easier. The road to recovery can be paved with setbacks and challenges, but maintaining positivity and staying engaged with your teammates will put you in good stead to be back on the ice as soon as possible.