What is a common psychological reaction athletes experience following an injury?

Athletes often experience frustration following an injury due to the sudden disruption of their physical abilities and competitive routines. This feeling arises from several factors, including the loss of training time, inability to participate in events, and the uncertainty regarding the recovery process. The desire to return to their sport and the challenges faced during rehabilitation can add to this sense of frustration, as athletes may feel they are not in control of their situation or unable to perform at their usual level.

Other emotional responses like hopefulness and excitement can also occur, but they tend to be more on the positive spectrum in initial stages or during recovery phases. However, as athletes confront the physical limitations and timeline of recovery, frustration becomes more prevalent. Isolation might be felt by some athletes, but is not as universal as frustration, which is a common and significant response as they deal with the realities of their injury.