5 Tips for Parents of Injured Athletes
When a sports injury happens, it can be a frightening experience not only for the athlete but also for their parents. Athletes may feel like their entire life is over after suffering from an injury. It’s essential for parents to support their child throughout the recovery process. If you’re a parent unsure how to help your child during this time, here are 5 tips to guide you.
1. Start your child on the path to recovery.
Find a rehab facility where your child feels supported by the physical therapists while also being encouraged to grow and pushed as an athlete. When athletes take an active role in their recovery, it motivates them to put in the effort needed to return to their sport.
At Trifecta Therapeutics, we ensure our patients clearly understand their recovery process so they feel confident and informed about their care. Our doctors build genuine connections with patients and are committed to their well-being. We challenge our patients to reach their goals while remaining attentive to their concerns and feelings.
2. Provide emotional support throughout their recovery.
Sports recovery journeys can be long and emotionally challenging for athletes. Having a strong support system is crucial, and this is where parents play a vital role. Encourage your child to share their feelings with you or someone they trust, and remind them that their emotions are completely valid. Every athlete copes with recovery differently, and the process can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Consider consulting a sports psychologist, who can help identify signs of issues such as withdrawal or depression.
During our sessions with patients, our doctors go beyond addressing physical recovery—we also prioritize mental well-being. We recognize that each athlete is unique, and we strive to create a safe, supportive environment where patients feel comfortable expressing their emotions.
3. Give your child the time they need to recover fully without rushing their return to their sport.
As eager as you may be to see your child return to the field or court, it’s crucial to ensure they are fully recovered before resuming play. Every athlete recovers at their own pace, and your child may already be feeling stressed about the time they’re missing. Adding pressure as a parent can make the situation more overwhelming. Rushing an athlete back into sports also increases the risk of reinjury, forcing them to start their recovery journey all over again.
It’s also important not to compare your child’s recovery to that of another athlete with a similar injury. Such comparisons can create unrealistic expectations for both you and your child, hindering their progress.
4. Help your child stay connected with their team throughout their recovery.
An injury can leave an athlete feeling isolated, so it’s important for parents to help their child stay actively involved with their team. Whether they’re sitting on the bench during practices or games, being surrounded by their teammates can make a significant difference. Socializing with their friends can take their mind off the injury, remind them why they love the sport, and inspire them to return better and stronger.
Additionally, staying connected can boost team morale, as teammates may feel motivated to play harder for their injured friend who can’t currently join them on the field or court. Talk with your child’s coach to explore an alternative role they can take on for the time being. This will allow your child to stay involved with the team, just in a different way.
5. Support your child’s recovery journey by using positive reinforcement to celebrate their progress and efforts.
The recovery process often comes with ups and downs. Highlighting an athlete’s successes along the way helps keep them motivated. During times when progress seems to plateau, it’s especially important to remind your child of the positive milestones they’ve already achieved.
No accomplishment is too small—every step forward is a sign of progress and a reassuring reminder that they’re getting closer to returning to their sport. Celebrating the small moments can make the journey feel much less daunting.
Conclusion
Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and at Trifecta, we’re here to help make it a little easier. When you entrust your child to our care, we promise to provide them with the best possible treatment.
Together, with your support and our expertise, your child will have an incredible support system to guide them through recovery. They’ll be back playing the sport they love before they know it.
If you’d like to learn more, visit our dedicated webpage for parents here or give us a call at 856-347-0333!
Watch the video below to hear about the experience of one of our patient’s parents.
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Written By: Sara Bayait
Public Relations Intern