Bouncing Back After an Injury with Sports Psychology

When you suffer from a sports related injury, bouncing back to peak physical condition can be tough.  And if you want to continue enjoying the activities you love without the pain of injury, rehab and sports therapy is crucial. But what about mentally? A sports related injury can not only wreak havoc on your body – it can be tough mentally as well. If you have suffered an injury that has kept you from the track, field, ice, etc., or if you are dealing with the stress of competition (which can also impede performance), it is important to make sure that both your body and your mind recuperate properly. 

What is sports psychology? Sports psychology is the study of how sports, athletic performance, exercise and physical activity are influenced and affected by psychology. Sports psychologists work with a diverse range of people, focusing on things like injuries, rehabilitation, communication, team building, and career transitions. A sports psychologist may work with a single individual, a group of coaches, or entire teams to enhance performance, effectively cope with the pressures of competition, and promote or rebuild self-confidence and self-esteem.

How can sportspsychology work for you? There are a number of different techniques that sports psychologists utilize to build a strong mental state in the minds of athletes. These can include arousal regulation, imagery, goal-setting and self-talk. By working through and talking about any issues, a sports psychologist can help to identify things which may be holding you back, as well as motivating and getting you back to a pre-injured mental state. Regaining the confidence that one can often lose after a sports related injury can seriously impact the ability to perform. Overcoming this is a vital part of sports psychology. 

Competition and the stress that accompanies it can also take a toll, as well as inhibit performance, so a sports psychologist offers a way around suffering from it.  Sports psychology can also help to motivate and set goals for future performance, helping you achieve your greatest potential.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with the stress of competition, or need the motivation to set and achieve goals for the future, an experienced sports psychologist can assist you on your road to addressing issues that may hold you back. Make sure that your body and mind are both in peak physical condition – harmony between the two can result in a rewarding and successful athletic experience.

For more information about the benefits of sports psychology, or to make an appointment with our registered sports psychologist Dr. Kate Hays, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit us at www.aesm.ca.

ACL Rehab and ACL Repair: Prep for the July 28th Beaches Jazz Run

Part of the charm and attraction to community races is the camaraderie.  And the Beaches Jazz Run on July 28^th is brimming with it. This 5km, 10km, or 20km race starts at the Beaches' Kew Gardens, and raises funds in support of the Toronto East General Hospital Foundation.  This event attracts all levels: the leisurely jogger, the competitive runner and even those using the event to condition for the subsequent Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October.  The Beaches Jazz Run is a seriously great time for everyone. 

But what if you are suffering from a torn ACL or have recently had ACL surgery? The Beaches Jazz Run may not seem all that useful if you can’t enjoy it. If you are suffering from the pain caused by a torn ACL, it's time to consider ACL rehab or treatment for an ACL injury.

ACL injuries are very common among athletes. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a joint inside your knee, and an ACL injury occurs when this ligament is torn. ACL injuries are common for athletes whose sports demand sudden stops and changes in direction, like soccer, basketball, tennis and volleyball. This injury can result in inflammation and acute or severe pain.

Does an ACL tear require surgery? It depends on the injury, and a sports injury specialist can help you assess this. It's never beneficial to avoid dealing with an injury, as ignoring it can be detrimental. If you want to get back to your pre-injury state, it's best to address the problem by seeking out ACL repair or ACLrehab. 

How can a sports injury clinic help with your ACL repair and ACL rehab? Firstly, the method for treatment involves a thorough assessment to evaluate your injury in order to develop the best customizable plan for you. After this, our various treatment options range from physiotherapy to restore function in your muscles and increase movement and relieve pain, to custom knee bracing to help support and stabilize, reducing the pressure impacting the injured or repaired knee.

Don’t let an ACL injury keep you from enjoying the sports you love. Seeking out the proper treatment is crucial in order to get back to peak physical condition, and working with a sports injury clinic experienced in ACL repair and ACL rehab is a smart choice.

To find out more about ACL repair and ACL rehab, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.

How Toronto Sports Medicine Specialists Can Get You Ready for the Toronto Triathlon

Celebrated as the ultimate challenge of human endurance and tenacity, the Toronto Triathlon Festival begins July 21^st. Participants run, bike and swim their way through a uniquely urban course, including Toronto’s harbourfront, downtown highways, and the protected water basin of the West Channel of Ontario Place.  With four different races to choose from - Olympic Distance, Sprint Distance, Olympic Distance Relay, or Sprint Distance Relay - this event offers a variety of ways for athletes to test themselves and compete against others.

So how can Toronto sports medicine specialists help you prepare for this grueling test of your abilities? In a number of ways.

Prep for the running: In order to prepare for the running portion of the triathlon, think about attending a running injury clinic hosted by a sports injury clinic to assess any underlying issues that may impede your performance. Or think about speaking with sports medicine specialists about getting fitted for custom foot orthotics. 

Prep for the cycling: Make sure that your knees don’t suffer from the over 20-40kms trail through the downtown core, especially if you are suffering from a torn ACL. Sports medicine specialists can offer pain relief through rehabilitation exercises and by fitting you for a custom ACL knee brace to distribute weight evenly, while also supporting your knee.

Prep for the swimming: get your cardio in shape with fitness training with a sports medicine specialist. A customized exercise routine tailored to fit your lifestyle and goals can help ensure you keep your body moving in that cool water without losing your breath.

If you're planning to participate in this or any other triathlon in the coming months, or if you simply want to get in shape or return to being active after a sports related injury, Toronto sports medicine specialists might be the route to take.  Trained and experienced in specifically treating sports injuries, sports medicine specialists can help you deal with pains, strains and easing you back into top form. Fitness tests and fitness training can also evaluate your current fitness level and design a regimen targeting your goals.

To condition and prep for your summer triathlon event, for help simply getting in shape or for relief  from a sports injury, find out how sports medicine specialists can help by contacting Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800.

Sun, Sand and… Strain?? An ACL Knee Brace Might be The Answer!

July 6^th and 7^th mark the 19^th annual Heatwave Toronto Beach Volleyball Event for SickKids.   Toronto’s largest beach volleyball event fills Ashbridge’s Bay and Woodbine Beach, for two full days of recreational and competitive beach volleyball, pitting teams of 6 against each other.  

Even if your summer plans don’t include participating in this great event, volleyball is a favourite summertime activity and a great way to fit in exercise.  That being said, if you have suffered an ACL injury, it can be difficult to enjoy or even participate in even the easiest of volleyball matches.  The bending and diving that is often unavoidable in volleyball can wreak havoc on a torn ACL so many people think avoiding the sport altogether is the easiest answer. But wait - before you resign yourself to a summer where sand equals strain, it might be better to think about getting fitted for a custom ACL knee brace.

Injuries to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) are very common, and are often the result of rapidly decelerating, then sharply, suddenly changing direction.  ACL injuries have also been attributed to heavy or stiff-legged landings, as well as twisting or turning the knee while landing. Contact can also result in an ACL injury, and those who participate in contact sports are often most at risk. When the ACL is torn, instability is often an outcome, as well as pain ranging from moderate to severe.

How can custom knee braces help? Whether you are currently suffering from an acute ACL tear or have undergone surgery to repair an ACL tear, a custom ACL knee brace can help you rebuild muscle and redistribute weight evenly. A custom knee brace also works to reduce further wear and tear, all while providing support and stability.

Don’t just avoid favourite summertime sports like volleyball because of ACL pain - get back out there and enjoy them. Whether you plan to get a team together and participate in the Toronto Beach Volleyball Event for SickKids, or just want to play for fun, don’t continue to suffer.  Get fitted for a custom knee brace that helps you recover from ACL surgery or as part of your ACL rehab to ease the pain.

For more information about how a custom ACL knee brace can bring you relief, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.