Biopsychosocial Considerations of Sports Injury and Rehabilitation: A Holistic Approach to Athlete Recovery

Biopsychosocial Considerations of Sports Injury and Rehabilitation: A Holistic Approach to Athlete Recovery

Opus, founded by David Porter, a new perspective on sports injury rehabilitation is taking shape. Together with Professor of psychology Dave Collins and lead physiotherapist Ian Gilham, the team promotes the biopsychosocial (BPS) model—a comprehensive approach that goes beyond treating the physical injury to address the mental and social factors that impact an athlete’s recovery.

This method aims to support athletes fully, enabling them to return to peak performance with resilience.

 

Key Points:

  • Interdisciplinary Teamwork: The BPS model draws on a team of specialists, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, and coaches. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of an athlete’s recovery are covered, promoting a more rounded and complete rehabilitation.
  • The Biopsychosocial Model: Traditionally, rehabilitation focuses on the physical aspects of injury. However, the BPS model acknowledges that injuries affect athletes in other ways too, such as their mental health (e.g., anxiety or loss of identity) and social status (e.g., their role within the team). The model addresses these factors together for a holistic recovery.

  • Patient-Centred Care: One of the core principles of the BPS model is putting the athlete at the centre of their care. This patient-centred approach ensures that athletes are actively involved in their recovery process, which can increase motivation and help tailor the rehabilitation to their specific needs.

  • Real-Life Examples: The article shares practical case studies where the BPS model has been effectively applied. In one case, a competitive equestrian rider with a severe pelvic injury received coordinated care involving medical, psychological, and social support, which helped her overcome fears about returning to competition.

  • Rehabilitation Stages: Recovery under the BPS model follows a clear, structured path, with each phase of rehabilitation managed by the interdisciplinary team. Early stages focus on reassurance and stabilisation, while later stages incorporate goal-setting to keep the athlete motivated and engaged.

  • Social Support: The social aspect of recovery is vital for maintaining mental wellbeing. The BPS model encourages athletes to remain connected with their teams during rehabilitation, helping them feel included and supported throughout the process.

  • Goal Setting and Progress Measurement: Setting clear, achievable goals is central to the BPS model. Breaking the rehabilitation process into manageable steps allows athletes to see progress and stay motivated. Tools like the “Challenge Ladder” help measure this progress, giving athletes a clear path forward.

  • Addressing Psychological Barriers: Injuries often bring psychological challenges, such as fear of reinjury. The BPS model incorporates psychological support to address these fears early on, helping athletes regain their confidence and return to competition without hesitation.

  • Clear Roles for Specialists: With many professionals involved, clear communication is essential. The BPS model establishes well-defined roles for each specialist, doctors, physiotherapists, and coaches, ensuring consistency in care and avoiding confusion for the athlete.

  • A Look to the Future: The authors advocate for broader adoption of the BPS model across sports rehabilitation settings, noting that its holistic approach leads to more effective and complete recovery. This model is particularly beneficial in helping athletes not only return to play but come back stronger, both physically and mentally.

In this article, David Porter, Dave Collins, and Ian Gilham highlight the benefits of the biopsychosocial approach to sports injury rehabilitation.

Focusing on the athlete’s physical, mental, and social well-being, the BPS model provides a more complete path to recovery. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centred care, this approach ensures that athletes return to their sport stronger and more resilient.

This innovative approach is setting a new standard in sports medicine, helping athletes achieve the best outcomes in their recovery journey. To learn more about how the BPS model can enhance sports injury rehabilitation, read the full article here