11/09/2026
Fear of Reinjury: The Mental Battle After Injury
Getting back on court after an injury isn’t always as simple as being physically ready.
One of the biggest challenges I see athletes face is fear of reinjury.
You might be physically capable of making the movement again, but mentally, you’re still thinking:
“What if it happens again?”
That hesitation can affect confidence, movement, decision-making and ultimately how freely an athlete plays. Research shows that fear of reinjury can be a significant barrier to returning to sport, even when physical recovery has progressed well.
So how do we help athletes move forward?
It starts with recognising that psychological recovery is part of the rehabilitation process too.
Building confidence gradually, setting realistic goals, celebrating progress and creating a safe environment to challenge those fears can all help an athlete rebuild trust in their body.
In this video, I explore fear of reinjury, why it happens and how we can help athletes develop the psychological readiness they need to return to their sport.
Dr Callum Gowling | Tennis Works