What CAN You Do When You’re Hurt? 

One of the most frustrating things you can experience as an athlete is getting injured and thinking your only option is to shut everything down. I get it. You’re told to rest, step away, and wait. But here’s the truth:

Completely shutting it down might be the worst thing you can do. 

Let me explain why — and more importantly, what you CAN do when you’re hurt.

Removing Yourself Slows Everything Down

When you stop all activity, your body stops developing. Your brain stops wiring the movements that matter. And maybe most overlooked? You lose that connection with your team. That isolation isn’t just physical — it affects your mindset, your energy, your recovery.

Now, I’m not saying to ignore pain. I’m saying we need to reframe the conversation. Instead of thinking about what you can’t do, we need to focus on what you can do.

Step 1: Talk to Someone Who Gets It

If you’re dealing with pain or an injury, talk to a professional — a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or physician. Let your body talk to you, and let someone help guide what movement is safe, productive, and purposeful.

And while you’re navigating that process, don’t stop everything. We can modify.

Step 2: Train What You CAN

Let’s say you’ve got a painful throwing arm. That doesn’t mean the rest of your body takes a break.

• You’ve still got two legs. Train them.

• You’ve still got another arm. Train it.

• In fact, training the opposite limb actually benefits the injured side neurologically. That’s science!

You can also keep your performance training going — strength work, mobility, stability, movement prep. We adapt around the pain.

Step 3: Stay in the Game

In most cases, we can still keep you on the field.

• Can’t throw across the diamond? Cool. Can you still field ground balls?

• Can’t long toss? Maybe you can still play first base and make short throws.

• Lower body issue? Let’s take grounders from your knees and dial in glove work.

The goal is to keep you active and involved in your team — even if it looks a different than before.

Here’s the Bottom Line

If you’re hurt, don’t quit. Don’t disappear from your team. And definitely don’t assume you have to stop everything.

Ask yourself: What CAN I do today that helps me get better — without making the injury worse? 

That shift in mindset changes everything. It keeps you progressing, keeps your body sharp, and keeps you connected to the sport you love.

Need help figuring out what that looks like for you? Reach out. Schedule a free consult. We’ll meet you where you’re at — and help you move forward.