Thread by @czuppons

Tips to return athletes confidently to sport with @clare_ardern via @ACLStudyDay Home Study Sessions!

Notes in the thread below....

@clare_ardern @ACLStudyDay MIND MATTERS.

Psych readiness critical across all injuries, not just ACL, for return to sport.

Fear of re-injury is #1 reason for not returning to pre-injury sport.

@clare_ardern @ACLStudyDay Physical and mental readiness often don't coincide!

When expectations don't match reality, can feed into greater negative emotions. Need to help athlete set realistic goals.

@clare_ardern @ACLStudyDay Address pt concern about competence:
- goal setting
- modelling behavior (connect athlete with people who have been through rehab before, group rehab?)
- relaxation (mental imagery, mindfulness)
- mental practice

@clare_ardern @ACLStudyDay Address athlete need for "belonging" (social support):
- design rehab for the athlete to do on the sideline while team is training
- modify current team's training to athlete's level
- have athlete serve as mentor to other athletes/junior athletes?

@clare_ardern @ACLStudyDay Empower athlete: what edu do they need re: injury, recovery?

Engage athlete: their ideas/choice for rehab plan, what else can they work on outside of physical?

Provide feedback: video documentation of progress?

Be transparent with communication

@clare_ardern @ACLStudyDay Address athlete autonomy:
- who else needs to be involved in decision-making process
- shared decision making WITH athlete: DO NOT force athlete to follow your rec - give all the info to make decision best for them.

@clare_ardern @ACLStudyDay Measuring psych readiness:
- ACL-RSI : specific to ACL injury (is being adapted in the future to hip and shoulder - stay tuned!)

@clare_ardern @ACLStudyDay Consider using regular, monitoring of mental readiness to return to sport 0-10 scale (0 no confidence, 10 very confident).

Use ACL-RSI at more key timepoints.

Remember: it's ok to refer out to a sports psychologist. These are just tools to help you during the rehab process.