Rehab is Training in the Presence of Injury
Human performance is not just about athletics, it is about upgrading the human experience.
Phil Glasgow's perspective on rehabilitation, encapsulated in the phrase 'Rehab is training in the presence of injury,' is a unique and transformative approach to recovery. It not only challenges our conventional understanding of healing but also revolutionizes it. Under this philosophy, rehabilitation is not a mere journey back to baseline; it's an opportunity for growth, learning, and adaptation.
Rehab=Training and Training=Rehab
Injuries, whether minor or life-altering, tend to send us into a spiral of frustration and despair. The physical pain is often just the tip of the iceberg, with the psychological impact cutting deeper, affecting our identity, lifestyle, and sense of normalcy. However, Glasgow's perspective invites us to shift our mindset from loss to opportunity. The recovery period is not a hiatus from our regular training or daily activities. However, a different training ground—one where the rules have changed, but the game is still on. This means that instead of focusing on what we can't do, we focus on what we can do, and we adapt our training and activities accordingly. This shift in perspective opens up a world of possibilities for growth and transformation, inspiring optimism and a renewed sense of purpose.
A resilience paradigm shifts the outcomes to pursue in pain research and intervention and argue the need for including positive outcomes in addition to negative outcomes. Psychological flexibility, positive affect and basic psychological needs satisfaction are described as potentially important resilience mechanisms with the potential to target both sustainability and recovery from pain. A resilience approach to chronic pain may have important implications for the prevention and treatment of chronic pain problems, as it may give specific indications on how to empower patients to continue living a fulfilling life (in the presence of pain).
This approach encourages patients and athletes to engage actively in rehabilitation. It's about more than just healing; it's about relearning and discovering new potentials within oneself. By focusing on what can be done rather than what can't, individuals are able to maintain a sense of progress and purpose, fueling their motivation and instilling hope. This mindset accelerates physical recovery and bolsters mental resilience, turning a period of vulnerability into one of strength-building. It can also lead to a deeper understanding of one's body and capabilities, improved self-confidence, and a more positive outlook.
Implementing Glasgow's philosophy means working closely with healthcare professionals to design a rehab program that respects the body's limitations while gently pushing its boundaries. It's important to note that this is done safely and controlled, ensuring that the body is not overexerted and the risk of further injury is minimized. It's about setting goals achievable within the context of the injury, fostering a sense of achievement and momentum.
In essence, adopting Glasgow's philosophy of viewing rehab as training in the presence of injury is a powerful tool that not only guides us through the recovery process but also empowers us to take control of it. It shifts the narrative from one of surviving to thriving, reminding us that every setback is an opportunity for a comeback. This mindset is not just for athletes but for anyone facing the challenge of recovery. It's a reminder that even in our most vulnerable moments, there's capacity for growth, learning, and transformation.
