29/09/2026
Myth: Fear of reinjury is just in your head, not a real problem.
Fact: Fear of reinjury is real, common, and measurable. It’s called kinesiophobia, and it’s one of the strongest predictors of how well you return to sport or activity, sometimes more than the injury itself.
Here’s why “it’s all in your head” misses the mark:
🧠 Fear changes how you move. Guarding, hesitating and avoiding certain positions can alter loading patterns and slow your recovery.
📉 Athletes who return with high fear are less likely to get back to their previous level, and they often perform below what their body is capable of.
💪 The fix isn’t “just get over it.” It’s graded exposure, progressive strength work, and clear communication with your physio about what’s safe.
Your fear is valid. It’s information, and it’s something we can treat like any other part of rehab.
