PSYCHOLOGY OF REHABILITATION

SUMMARY In conclusion it is evident that there is a need to address the men- tal as well as the physical in providing a holistic and complete reha- bilitation process. Research shows that not only is this beneficial, but that it is also possible, with those therapists working with injured athletes, to develop key mental skills. These skills include interper- sonal communication, knowledge of inner motivation, goal achieve- ment strategies, ability to help maintain a positive mental attitude, stress management and relaxation techniques, and visualisation.

It is important to re-emphasise that the therapist should take time to become proficient in these mental skills, and that they should recognise that their role in using such techniques is to enhance rehabilitation, and not to act as a clinical psychologist. With this in mind it is therefore important that therapists are able to recog- nise clinical concerns such as depression and addiction, and know when to refer.

THE AUTHOR Steve Ward is a Sportmind Elite Performance Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, Master NLP Hypnotherapist, Advanced Skills Coach and Accredited Stress Management Trainer. He writes for several leading sports and physical education journals, has appeared on Radio 4 and is a member of the Great Britain Age Group Duathlon team. Steve also runs Maximum Potential UK Ltd see opposite and can be contacted on 01202 623322.

References 1. Rotella RJ and Heyman S.R. Stress, injury and the psychological reha- bilitation of athletes. In: J.M.Williams (Ed) Applied Sport Psychology: Personal growth to peak performance. Palo Alto, CA: Mayfield 1986. 2. Gordon S, Potter M and Ford I. Towards a psychoeducational curriculum

for training sport-injury personnel. Journal of Applied Sports Psychology 1998;10:140-156 3. Kolt G. Psychosocial factors and sports injury rehabilitation.Australian Journal of Psychology 1996;48(Suppl)114 4. Kolt G. Psychological aspects of sports injury: Practical applications for rehabilitation. In The Scene Through Their Eyes: Proceedings of the Fifth International Congress of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (pp 206-267). Australian Physiotherapy Association (Tasmaian Branch) 1998. 5. Kolt G and Kirkby R. Injury in Australian female gymnasts: A psycho- logical perspective. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 1996;42:121-126 6. Shaffer S and Wiese-Bjornstal D. Psychosocial interventions in sports medicine. In Counselling in Sports Medicine (pp 41-54) by Ray and Wiese- Bjornstal. Human Kinetics 1999. ISBN Number 0957979800

MINDMATTERS FOR PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Learn practical, cutting edge techniques to provide a holistic mind-body treatment and rehabilitation programme for your clients on this unique two day workshop specifically designed for physical therapists.

●Advanced Interpersonal Communication and Rapport Building Techniques

● Inner Motivation and Goal Achievement Strategies ● Positive Mental Attitude and Positive Self Image ● Using Relaxation and Visualisation Techniques

Maximum 16 people per workshop. Price just £195.00

For further details of the next workshop, and other sports men- tal skills coaching services and workshop programmes contact Steve Ward:

Tel: 01202 623322 or Mob: 07970 081229

Email: info@maximumpotentialuk.com www.maximumpotentialuk.com

www.sportex.net

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