Pain, Injuries and Coaching
What happens when pain turns into an injury?
In this article, we talk about how your coach reacts to your injury. You will gain an insight into a simple system that's easy to understand.
‘...What am I going to do now I can't train!’
‘I’m going to lose all progress I've made.’
‘I have 4 more weeks, I won't be able to reach my goals.’
These are all normal reactions. But there are more routes in your training programme than you may think.
Firstly remember, there is little to no common injury that will stop you in your tracks from training. It may stop you from competing or hold you back a little. But you can still train no matter what quest you are on.
There is always something you can do. Please note that the worst thing you can do in this position is accept defeat and stop and wait “until it gets better”.
Your body needs to move. Think of it as a old vintage car, you can't leave it in a garage for a few weeks and expect it to tick over as normal when the diesel hits the pistons.
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For example, if you’ve rolled your ankle or broken a leg, there is still the upper body and the opposite leg. If you’ve damaged a shoulder there is still a lot of pulling and a ton of lower body work you can do (Even if you are an endurance athlete there are still ways!)
Understand that the initial phase is panic. It’s totally normal and shows your hungry to achieve which is an opportunity in itself to remind yourself of how much you want it. After this, however, it's vital that you sit down, pause, write some things down and then talk to your personal trainer and or coach.
This is where a good coach steps in and redesigns your program. Now please note if you have gone to a coach for the first time meeting them with an issue or injury that this process may be slower than it would be if you have been training with them for 3+ Months. We as good coaches need time to get to know you, your body, your life stressors that you're dealing with day to day. What you have done in the past, what worked what didn't work. Every angle must be considered. But be reassured. You can still train.
Considerations a coach will make for you:
Design - What joint actions does this client need to prioritize to stay strong now that they are injured and may be carrying themselves differently.
Maintenance - Is it best that the client is designed a program to maintain where they are at? Did this injury happen due to too much volume or intensity?
List all movements that are out. Highlight those that are in and would help the client progress. Ex. strained rotator cuff in the right shoulder. Reduce bench pressing and introduce controlled pulling while monitoring pain levels.
Opportunity - Is this an opportunity to take a step back, destress from work, reflect on the endocrine (hormone) system, introduce some new soft tissue routines, set a challenge for the client and join them in a new quest.
Overall an injury is an opportunity to learn. Keeping a training diary and a personal diary is also a great tool for you and your coach. This can help digest and find a reason why the injury came about.
Keep on moving forward, your injury can create an opportunity.
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Please note that you may need some support. Any qualified physio may help direct you and begin the process. However, ensure that you are communicating with your coach. Look for others in your community or coaching network that can support you.
This is exactly what we do in our LB club membership. Clients athletes and members get treated as an individual. It important to recognise that we all have different goals. If you’d like to know more just put in your name, email and optional phone number if you’d like to avail of a Free Enquiry and movement assessment with us in the gym.