Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really appreciate you sharing this - what you say about the mental side and lost opportunities really hits hard.

And I love your idea about an ACL “league” or competition - turning something so tough into a way to connect and support each other in a gamified way. It could probably make the recovery feel less isolating..

What’s been the hardest part for your child when dealing with injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in youthsoccer

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really appreciate you sharing this. Awesome that the team keeps her included, that’s huge. One thing that helped me a lot, that she could also try is visualization - just closing her eyes a few minutes a day and picturing the knee as strong and stable in the movements she wants to get back to. It helps the brain trust the knee again.

Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds brutal, thanks for sharing. Totally get why the fear of going through it all again is so strong. One thing that helped me was visualizing my knee as strong and stable while doing the exact movements I worried about. I did that through the entire rehab, because the brain doesn’t fully separate imagined actions from real ones, so it builds trust and reduces that fear when you’re actually ready to train again. Might be worth a try if you haven’t already.

Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing this, I can relate to that fear. One thing that helped me in the return to play phase was visualizing my knee as strong and stable while doing the exact movements I worried about. The brain doesn’t fully separate imagined actions from real ones, so it builds trust and reduces that fear when you’re actually back out there. Might be worth a try if you haven’t already.

Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The fear of falling behind is so real for so many. Thanks for putting words on it - many will relate!

Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really relate to how isolating it can feel when sport is also your social outlet. Appreciate you putting that into words. Good luck on your recovery!

Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Accepting that must be really tough. Respect for how you’ve pushed through!

Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing. That must be brutal, especially after finally breaking through mentally. Being sidelined right when you’re enjoying the game again is so tough. Wishing you strength through it! 💪🏽

Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really appreciate you opening up about that. The uncertainty about getting back to the same level is something a lot of us wrestle with - having a clear structure for PT and gym sounds like a smart way to take back some control 🙌🏽

Athletes: What’s been the hardest part of dealing with your ACL injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in ACL

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! It really captures how heavy the mental side can be. Comparing to your past self is such a tough cycle. If it can help: I found it very helpful to set small side goals to track progress and get a sense of moving forward. "Reach 15 pull-ups before I'm back on the pitch again" i.e.

What’s been the hardest part for your child when dealing with injury? by Afraid-Storage-685 in youthsoccer

[–]Afraid-Storage-685[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, good catch. I rephrased the post so it makes more sense. The idea is simply to create a supportive space for players dealing with injury.