Ask Doc Ali: How Do I Deal With An Injury?

Amia from Aftershock Gymnastics asked: "Doc Ali, how do I deal with an injury?"

I’m so glad she asked this question because of course all gymnasts deal with injury from time to time!

Here are some Tight Mind Tips:

Talk to your coach! Always let your coaches know you’re injured. Sometimes this is scary for some gymnasts but it’s important your coaches know what’s bothering you. When you talk to your coaches, be sure to let them know what you CAN do and not just what you CAN’T do! You might say, “my ankle is bothering me today, can i do three good ones and then do some drills?” or “My ankle is sore, can i tumble into the resi today and have a softer landing?” When you offer your coaches solutions and options, it’s makes it easier for them to help you.

Remember, your brain doesn’t know the difference between real and imagined skills. When you are injured you want to walk through or do arm sets of everything your teammates do. Pair each skill or routine with key words and walk through them pausing and squeezing proper body positions. If your teammates do ten, you do twenty! Bank as many skills as posible in your mind and body so when you are released, everything comes back that much faster.

Injuries are difficult for athletes and coaches alike. Stay strong Amia. Push through, but take care of yourself too!


Alison Arnold Ph.D. has been a mental toughness consultant to USA Gymnastics since 1997. If you are a parent, coach, or an athlete and would like to submit a video question or if you just have a question, please email docali@headgamesworld.com