Citation

Edouard P, Bolling C, Chapon J, Verhagen E. BMJ Open Sport Exerc. Med. 2022; 8(2): e001359.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Publisher BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001359

PMID

35573392

PMCID

PMC9062801

Abstract

Despite our efforts to prevent injuries, experiencing an injury seems inevitable for any athlete. For instance, about two-thirds of track and field athletes sustain at least one injury during a season,1 and almost all athletes have encountered an injury during their years of practice.2 To any athlete, it is safe to say: 'An injury will occur'.

We are all doing our diligence to manage and treat an injury episode appropriately, and we also are investing in efforts to reduce the risk of the injury.1 3 These should, of course, be continued and improved. However, since injuries appear inevitable, are we missing something by focusing on prevention and rehabilitation alone? Why, as health professionals, could we not take the opportunity of an injury experience to educate athletes and their supporting teams to help them engage in a healthy and sustainable sports practice with, among others, an injury risk reduction approach?

Language: en

Keywords

Education; Implementation; Athletics