It’s been said before and it will be said again. Injury is a part of sport. It will never be 100% avoidable. Yes, do your part of the high performance team to mitigate risk factors. But understand that it can and will happen. With that said you need to know how to help your athletes return to training, practice, competition, and performance.

In order to do this well you need to understand your progressions and regressions well. Most S&C coaches can do this in the weight room no problem. Have an injured shoulder? Cool. No bench press for you, DB bench on the uninvolved side. Same shoulder injury. No back squat for you. Will put you on the pit shark.

But, for that same athletes 90% of S&C coaches would simply put them on the bike for on field work. What if they are at week 8-12 from surgery. That is when they should be doing some regressed version of running. What if it only hurts to bench or have a bar on the back – but they can do some running?

Most of these questions the average strength and conditioning coach would STRUGGLE with. No matter if it is a shoulder injury like we talked about above. Or if it is a hamstring strain. We have you covered.

Push boundaries within constraints.

When it comes to improving performance, the key is knowing when and where to push boundaries within constraints. This is true for athletes in training, as well as those in rehabilitation. Achieving success in both of these areas requires an understanding of the limitations that exist and an ability to work within those boundaries.



In terms of training, pushing boundaries within constraints can help athletes reach their goals faster and more effectively. This could mean pushing the boundaries of what is expected of them in terms of speed, endurance, and strength. For example, a coach might encourage a player to do extra gym sessions or interval training on the Wattbike to increase their aerobic capacity. This type of training is not typically done when in a full squad, so it is an opportunity to build a base of aerobic capacity that will benefit them throughout their career.

In terms of rehabilitation, pushing boundaries within constraints is equally important. A physiotherapist will set the parameters for what is and is not allowed, and it is up to the athlete to work within those boundaries. This could mean using exercises to strengthen and recondition the athlete while they are injured, such as plyometrics and lateral shuffles. It could also mean doing drills and running mechanics with the team, even if the athlete is not able to do the full speed work.



In both training and rehabilitation, pushing boundaries within constraints is essential for success. Knowing when and where to push those boundaries is the key, as it allows athletes to maximize their performance while minimizing the risk of injury. With the right approach, athletes can make the most of their training and rehab, and reach their goals faster and more effectively.

Stay involved during injury.

Staying involved during injury is an important part of the rehabilitation process. It helps athletes to stay connected to the team, maintain their motivation, and build confidence in their abilities. This is especially important for athletes who derive a lot of their sense of purpose from their sport. It can be psychologically stressful for them when they are sidelined due to injury, and staying involved in the team can help to alleviate this stress



During injury, a tailored warm-up can help athletes to stay involved in the team while minimizing the risk of further injury. This warm-up should include exercises that are appropriate for the athlete’s current level of fitness and injury status. For example, if the athlete is dealing with a muscle strain, a warm-up may include a light jog, dynamic stretching, and low-intensity drills. If the athlete is dealing with a more serious injury, such as a biceps rupture, a warm-up may include a broomstick or high-knee cycle, followed by reps and bleeds.

During the rehabilitation process, it is important to manage the athlete’s workload. This includes taking them out of certain drills if they are too intense or risky for their current injury status. At the same time, it is important to make sure that the athlete is included in drills that are safe and appropriate for them. This allows them to stay involved in the team and build their confidence.



Finally, it is important to celebrate and recognize the athlete’s progress during injury. This can help to boost their morale and remind them of their importance to the team. By staying involved during injury, athletes can stay connected to the team, maintain their motivation, and build confidence in their abilities. This can help them to reach their goals faster and more effectively.

Conclusion

Injuries are not fun for you, athlete, ATC, sport coach, anyone. So, the best thing you can do for injury is good training to keep them on the field. Train them to be robust to the demands of sport. If you struggle with on field work for health athletes click here to learn about proper speed/conditioning work. And for help in the weight room click here to learn how to maximize strength and power