The Mental Side of the Injured Athlete

Abstract

The psychosocial benefits of participating in sports have long been appreciated. However, athletes are often faced with circumstances that make them susceptible to psychological challenges unique to the athletic population. One such circumstance is injury in sport, which can be a source of notable distress and may precipitate the emergence of new or exacerbation of underlying psychological disorders. In athletes who are injured, particularly those undergoing surgical intervention, psychological factors play a substantial role in the recovery process. A more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between psychological and physical health in the setting of an injury is essential to optimize patient care. The aim of this review was to highlight the impact of psychological factors on measurable outcomes after orthopaedic surgical interventions and to explore interventions that can be implemented to improve surgical outcomes and the overall care of injured athletes.