Mentally Overcoming Injury
Injury recovery isn’t just physical, it’s mental, too. Learn to mentally overcome setbacks by building a positive outlook and progressive focus through mental performance skills like self-talk, visualization, breathing, and SMART goal-setting.
Topics covered
What you'll develop
Examine the psychological and physical impact of sports injuries to understand how mental state influences the biological healing process and overall recovery timeline.
Develop the self-awareness to recognize the emotional stages of injury—such as frustration or isolation—and pivot toward a positive, proactive outlook that fuels rehabilitation.
Master a toolkit of mental performance strategies, including visualization, targeted self-talk, and breathing techniques, to maintain athletic confidence and mentally rehearse a successful return to competition.
Course outline
About your expert
Max Dadswell is a performance dietitian from Hershey, Pennsylvania, with a strong academic foundation built at Penn State University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutritional Sciences. His professional journey includes experience with elite athletic organizations such as Penn State Football, the Kansas City Royals, and Orlando City Soccer Club. Since January 2025, Max has been based on campus at IMG Academy, where he has supported the nutrition needs of student-athletes across multiple sports, including boys and girls soccer, volleyball, baseball, and football.
