Imagery in Sports Injury Rehabilitation

Using the definition presented by Morris, Spittle and Watt (2005), Imagery is considered to be “the creation or re-creation of an experience generated from memorial information, involving quasi-sensorial, quasi-perceptual, and quasi-affective characteristics, that is under the volitional control of the imager, and which may occur in the absence of the real stimulus antecedents normally associated with the actual experience.

This all sounds pretty scientific, and it is. However, Imagery is used by everyone in some way and it doesn’t take a scientist to use… But it helps to have a professional guide imagery to make sure this powerful tool is used effectively. When we picture winning a game, catch ourselves daydreaming about what could have been or just reflecting on a mistake we made on the field, we are using imagery. When it comes to injuries, we often find ourselves replaying that moment where we were injured. Imagery has the potential to be constructive in aiding the healing process, managing pain, speeding up the rehabilitation process and helping us practice and hone our skills even when our bodies are unable to perform physically.

Healing Imagery refers to images that show the injured body part healing, back to its original strength and form. Athletes use healing imagery to fully understand their injury, promoting a sense of control and lowering stress.

Pain Management Imagery encourages the athlete to imagine themselves to be free of pain, performing actions that would normally be painful without feeling that debilitating pain. Imagining pleasant feelings surrounding the injured limb, acknowledging pain and its origin in detail and reframing pain as an obstacle to overcome are seen as strong pain management tools. This type of imagery has been shown to reduce experienced pain levels, increase coping and assist with emotional responses to pain.

rehabilitation Process Imagery has the athlete creating images of the rehabilitation process and all the steps that will be required to make a full recovery. This includes: completing exercises, sticking to a rehab program, being aware of possible obstacles and setbacks, managing these setbacks and facing all these processes with a positive attitude and a place of strength and control. Creating these images throughout the process increases self-efficacy, which increases the likelihood of an athlete being able to successfully complete the rehabilitation process.

Performance Imagery allows the injured athlete to mentally rehearse sports-specific skills that an injury does not allow them to physically practice. This type of imagery has been shown to increase skill acquisition as well as decreasing the stress and anxiety related to returning to sport after an injury.

It is very important that imagery is guided by a professional and an imagery program is followed as if done incorrectly or rushed, Imagery can lead to heightened anxiety before returning to sport. For example, replaying the moment of injury can lead to heightened stress levels surrounding returning to sport and reduce the chance of managing the emotional aspects of the injury rehabilitation process.

Imagery has many facets and can be a powerful tool for injury rehabilitation and increasing performance in sport. Speaking to a professional is the best way to make sure you are using imagery effectively. Being educated in Imagery could enhance many aspects of your sporting and rehabilitation program, increasing your motivation, self-efficacy and even improving your sports specific skills.