"I just turned 56 years old and have been making great strides in the mental side of my tennis game and competing. However, last May in a doubles match, I tore a piece of articular cartilage in my left knee. As my orthopedic surgeon has explained to me, that cartilage will never grow back as it was. She has given me suggestions for things that I can do to try to create fibrocartilage, including cross training with cycling and taking Osteo Bi-Flex. Those things, I think, have helped me maintain my ability to play. However, I’m more susceptible now than ever to my knee swelling up or the pain worsening or the pain increasing in frequency. It has been a huge mental barrier with how I look at how hard and how often I can play, on what surface I should play, etc. I am listening to your podcast and to your Rebound book on audible and enjoying all of it, but I’m wondering if you could give any insight into someone my age with this chronic situation and how to not let fear overtake my ability to compete.”

—Julie

 

This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Julie, who is dealing with a chronic injury that’s affecting her tennis game mentally as much as it is physically.

 

In her response, Coach Carrie discusses the learning curve that comes with such diagnoses, and reminds Julie she’s right at the peak of hers. In a way, it’s like starting over, she says—learning to both fuel the passion to compete and the desire to care for the body that Julie is in now.

 

Carrie offers tips to navigate this mindset shift, and assurance to Julie and other athletes like her that although it’s challenging, most athletes find a new routine, and less fear and anxiety, on the other side of these types of transitions.

 

Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to [email protected]. 

 

Resources/links:

• Rebound worksheets, which include a pain log

 

Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6: 

• Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
• IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
• ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders

Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.

To access more resources for injured athletes:

• Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
• Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
• Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
• Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
• Email us at [email protected] with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.