Beyond the Physical: Emotional Healing After Injury or Surgery with EMDR
I’ve been playing soccer since age 3.
I love the game, I love the competition, the community you find everywhere from purely recreational co-ed beer leagues to 4v4 tournament-style futsol games.
I also love hiking up rocky mountain trails, jumping on trampolines, hopping up and walking from my couch to the kitchen, swimming in Lake Michigan, taking a quick neighborhood lap in the sun, walking my easily-excited large dog, and racing my friends up the stairs.
My point is— I like the freedom of using my body where and when and how I want.
That’s why dealing with a torn ACL and the surgery that repaired it has been filled with grief, challenges, and growth.
I feel deep connection with folks who are going through an injury and/or surgery that temporarily or permanently changes how we live our life.
So here I am, writing a blog post that I hope reaches:
someone having a difficult time recovering emotionally after an injury or surgery
someone preparing for a surgery that will significantly alter their daily life temporarily or permanently
someone looking for advice on helping a loved one through an injury or surgery
Actual photo of my knee after ACL surgery. For this surgery, a strip of my own quad muscle was grafted to reconstruct a new ACL, which is attached to my leg bones.
How did I tear my ACL? Playing soccer. I took a hard shot with my left foot and landed with too much force onto my left knee. Thankfully, it didn’t hurt as bad as it sounds, and I had help getting off the field.
Physical Injuries Are Emotional, Too
The experience of physical injury, particularly one requiring surgery, can be deeply unsettling.
Beyond the physical pain and limitations, the emotional shifts can be profound.
Many folks find themselves grappling with a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to grief and loss.
Some of us might go on to develop PTSD.
Our bodies hold pieces of our identities, and when our bodies are altered in a way that limits or changes what we can do, there is a loss in identity.
While the focus of the surgeon, doctors, and physical therapy is often on physical recovery, the emotional aspects of injury are equally important and can significantly impact the overall healing process.
This is where understanding yourself, understanding the emotional impact of physical injury, and understanding how to get help, like with EMDR therapy, can be really beneficial.
The Grief of Injury
Injury, especially one that significantly impacts your lifestyle or career, can be experienced as loss.
The loss of physical capabilities, independence, or future plans can evoke a deep sense of grief.
Having to reschedule or cancel planned trips, modifying your everyday life to accommodate your injury, and feeling upset when a normally fun activity feels overwhelming are all hard realities to move through.
This grief might manifest in various ways, including sadness, anger, frustration, or isolation.
It's essential to acknowledge and validate these feelings. They are a normal part of the healing process.
For those who tend to ignore or suppress big emotions that come with injury and surgery, it could be useful to prepare and have a plan for supporting yourself through this.
Working with a trained and experienced therapist allows you to realistically prepare for the emotional impact that comes with injury and surgery. If you’re looking for help after your injury or surgery, EMDR therapy can help you process these uncomfortable emotions, allowing you to gradually move through and into your recovery.
The Physical and Emotional Impact of Injury
A severe injury can dramatically alter your life, affecting your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Not to mention the financial and social implications of recovery and readjustment.
It's essential to address the connectedness of these aspects for a comprehensive recovery.
By neglecting the emotional impact, you’re effectively cutting off a path to recovery.
Physical Implications:
Pain management: Pain after surgery or injury and chronic pain can significantly impact mental health and overall quality of life.
Functional limitations: Reduced mobility can lead to feelings of dependency and frustration.
Body image changes: Visible scars, new medical equipment, or physical impairments can affect self-esteem.
Financial: Injuries and surgeries can affect capacity to work and the type of work available.
Emotional and Psychological Impact:
Fear and anxiety: Worry about the healing process, future pain, and limitations can be overwhelming.
Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation are common.
Anger and frustration: Frustration with the injury and the recovery process can lead to anger and irritability.
Identity crisis: Changes in roles and responsibilities can challenge one's sense of self.
Understanding the multifaceted nature of injury is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.
Talk to yourself, trusted your friends and family, your communities, and your medical team about your concerns.
The Emotional Toll of Injury
Beyond the physical pain, individuals who sustain injuries may grapple with a complex array of emotions, including:
Grief and Loss: The loss of physical capabilities, independence, or a sense of normalcy can trigger grief.
Anger and Frustration: Frustration with the injury, recovery process, and inability to engage in desired activities can manifest as anger.
Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation are common as individuals adjust to their new reality.
Identity Crisis: For those whose self-worth is heavily tied to physical abilities, injury can lead to a questioning of self-identity.
The Development of PTSD
In some cases, the experience of an injury, particularly if it involves significant trauma or pain, can trigger Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a response triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD can develop after an injury or surgery, especially if the experience was highly traumatic or involved significant pain and fear.
Symptoms of injury or surgery PTSD may include:
Intrusive thoughts: Reliving the injury through flashbacks or nightmares.
Avoidance behaviors: Avoiding activities, places, or people associated with the injury.
Negative changes in mood and thinking: Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
Hyperarousal: Difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
It's crucial to recognize that the emotional impact of an injury is unique to each individual.
Seek support from your medical team and mental health professionals for valuable guidance and coping strategies.
The Role of EMDR Therapy in Physical Injury Recovery
EMDR therapy offers a unique approach to addressing the emotional and psychological impact of physical injury.
By targeting the core memories and beliefs related to the injury, EMDR can help you:
Process traumatic memories: Recalling the accident or surgery can trigger emotional distress. EMDR can help desensitize these memories.
Manage chronic pain: By addressing the emotional component of pain, EMDR can help reduce its intensity.
Improve sleep: Disrupted sleep patterns are common after injuries. EMDR can help alleviate insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Enhance coping skills: Develop strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges associated with recovery.
Restore hope and optimism: Reconnect with your goals and aspirations for the future.
By addressing the emotional underpinnings of physical injury, EMDR therapy can significantly enhance the overall recovery process and improve quality of life.
Challenges in Recovery
The path to recovery is often filled with setbacks and challenges. It's essential to be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Some common challenges include:
Body image issues: Changes in physical appearance can impact self-esteem and body image.
Relationship strains: The injury can put a strain on personal relationships.
Financial difficulties: Medical bills and lost income can create financial stress.
Fear of re-injury: Anxiety about returning to activities can hinder recovery.
By addressing these challenges head-on and seeking support, you can increase your resilience and build a stronger foundation for your recovery.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is crucial for emotional healing. Encourage loved ones to understand your experience and offer practical assistance.
Joining support groups or connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can also be beneficial.
Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how seemingly small.
For me, this looked like going to the lake and hanging out for the day. Although I couldn’t do all of the things I normally do, I was able to enjoy myself and feel slightly more normal.
Enjoying my time at the lake in Steamboat.
In Conclusion
Recovering from a physical injury is a complex journey that encompasses both physical and emotional healing.
By addressing the emotional toll alongside the physical rehabilitation, you can significantly improve your overall well-being. EMDR therapy offers a powerful tool for processing the trauma associated with injury and surgery and regaining a sense of confidence in your life.
Seek support from a qualified mental health professional to make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
If you are ready to explore the potential of EMDR therapy, reach out and schedule a free consultation with me.
