Training and Injuries
Quote I like - There is no such thing as a perfect moment.
There are just moments.
Injuries and Training: How to Minimise Setbacks and Stay on Track
One of the most frustrating experiences as an athlete is dealing with an injury when your training is going well. I’ve seen this happen to many athletes I’ve coached, and I’ve experienced it myself. You string together several solid training blocks, feel like you’re in the best shape of your life, and then—boom—you get injured.
It’s devastating. You feel like all your hard work has gone to waste. I get it. I’ve been there many times. But the truth is, while injuries are frustrating, they don’t have to derail your entire journey. With the right approach, you can minimise their impact and come back stronger.
Injury Protocols: What to Do Immediately
If you suspect you’ve sustained an injury, stop training immediately. Too many times, I’ve felt a small niggle in my hamstring at the track and still walked back to the starting line to run the next rep. It was always a disaster. Looking back, if I had stepped off the track at the first sign of tightness, I might have only been out for a week instead of four.
The key takeaway? Listen to your body. Pushing through pain often leads to longer recovery times and more frustration.
Get Assessed by a GOOD Physio
If you have an injury, get assessed by a high level physiotherapist as soon as possible. The right diagnosis can make all the difference in your rehab process. A skilled physio will determine the type and severity of your injury and create a plan to get you back to training safely.
What to Look for in a Physio:
Experience with athletes: Not all physios are the same. You want someone who understands the demands of high-performance training and has strong diagnostic skills.
A clear rehab plan: Your physio should outline a step-by-step approach to get you back to full strength. They will often have you start rehab str
Manual therapy and movement-based rehab: The best physios combine hands-on treatment with exercises to restore function.aight away.
Final Thoughts
Injuries are frustrating, but they don’t have to be the end of your progress. The key is acting quickly, following a smart rehab plan, and doing the rehab work. Seeing your physio is usually only one hour per week. They are only there to guide you as the real Rehab work is up to you.
Rod Clarke
Stay Consistent