Injuries can be a devastating experience, especially if you’re an athlete whose passion and identity often revolve around your sport. Whether you’ve just undergone surgery for an ACL or UCL injury, or are facing the long road to recovery, you might be asking yourself: Am I ready to do this? The answer is simple: Yes, you are!
Like the saying goes, “The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.” In this blog, l’ll share with you the mindset and strategies that will guide you through this journey—one step at a time.
The Worst Is Behind You
Injuries bring pain, uncertainty, and setbacks, but they also bring opportunity. The hardest part—getting injured and having surgery—is over. Now, it’s about following the plan that’s been laid out for you, regaining your strength, and building confidence in your body’s ability to heal.
Think of recovery as a process of forward motion. Even if you take a step back, you’re still on the path to progress. Trust that with time, consistency, and the right guidance, you’ll rebuild not only your physical strength but also your mental resilience.
Trust the Process
Healing requires more than physical effort—it demands trust:
- In Your Body: Your body knows how to heal. Just as it recovers from a cold or a cut, it can recover from surgery if you give it the right care and time.
- In the Plan: Your surgeon and physical therapist have created a roadmap for your recovery. Trust their expertise, stick to the protocol, and focus on the daily actions that will lead to long-term success.
- In Yourself: Recovery is daunting, but you’ve already shown incredible strength by starting this journey. Believe in your ability to see it through.
Progress Isn’t Linear
One of the biggest misconceptions about recovery is that it’s a straight line. In reality, it’s more like a squiggly stock market graph—full of ups, downs, and plateaus. The key is to stay committed and measure progress backward, comparing where you are now to where you started.
Even the greatest athletes, like Michael Jordan, have faced setbacks. It’s how you respond to those challenges that defines your success. Keep the big picture in mind, and don’t let temporary struggles derail your momentum.
Focus on What You Can Control
When self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself of the hard work you’ve already put in. One powerful story comes from a patient of ours who was a left-handed pitcher who doubted himself as he prepared for his first showcase post-surgery. By focusing on what he could control—his effort, mindset, and preparation—he overcame his nerves, performed well, and earned multiple offers.
This mindset shift is essential. Define success on your terms, and let go of what others think. Your job is to show up, give your best, and trust that the results will follow.
The Beauty of the Journey
Recovery isn’t just about returning to the field or court. It’s about rediscovering your love for the sport, appreciating the relationships you’ve built along the way, and understanding the strength and resilience you’ve gained.
There will be hard days—days when you want to give up. On those days, lean on your support system. Talk to your physical therapist, teammates, or loved ones, and remind yourself why you started.
Check out this video we have for you to help you get started. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K8IHKEGJEg
You Are Ready
Every journey begins with a single step, and you’ve already taken that step by committing to your recovery. With the right mindset, trust in the process, and consistent effort, you’ll not only return to your sport but also come back stronger than ever.
You’ve got this. Take it one day at a time, and remember: your only competition is the person you were yesterday.
At Myokinetix, we specialize in helping athletes at every level recover from even the most challenging injuries, like ACL or UCL tears. If you or someone you know is ready to rebuild strength, regain confidence, and return to peak performance, don’t wait. Book a call with us today and Let’s rebuild together!