ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the coach with information on how he or she can help athletes whilst they are injured and when returning to sport after an injury. It contains information regarding: a definition of an injury, psychological responses to injuries, the role of the coach, rehabilitation, psychological strategies during the rehabilitation process, returning to play and preventing fear of re-injury. Taylor identified four stages of the rehabilitation process: range of motion, strength, co-ordination and return to sport. Coaches can provide training in a variety of strategies to help athletes manage the feelings encountered during their rehabilitation. Setting goals whilst injured involves the athlete been asked to consider objectives, targets, or a desired standard for their injured body part by the coach. Mental imagery can also enhance recovery during rehabilitation by increasing the amount of blood and warmth that flows to the injured body part.
