[Rhetro]

I broke a couple ribs a few months ago. They're healed up but I've got some sort mental block holding me back. I love physival competition but I keep making excuses not to get back to training.

The few times I've been since the dr has cleared me I've been hesitant about rolling and I get super spazzy when I have pressure placed on my ribs - either from KoB or a bigger dude in side/mount. As I feel the pressure being applied it just freaks me out. It's kinda weird since I don't mind getting tapped... but this is different. Stays with me for days and makes me not want to train at all.

It's weird because I was back training just as hard after I hurt my arm. But there isn't really a way to protect your ribs like there is with an arm. I'm not afraid of the physical competition just of hurting my ribs again. My coach said I can take it easy and just do techniques and light rolling with smaller guys but that seems kinda chickenshit to me (even though here I am ducking training).

Just wondering if anyones ever experienced anything similar and how they got past it.

[TheRevolver]

Taking it easy and going lighter for the first few months would help. I've been there before where I broke my hand during sparring and it put me out for a couple of weeks and ever since, my right hand hasn't ever been the same. It was horrible going to training every day after the injury since I couldn't really use my right hand at all. Not being able to spar was the worst even tho I improved my jab tremendously during this time. With an injury like that, you've got to realize your limitations but also know that you can make up for the lack of physicality with technique, especially with a sport like BJJ. Take some pain killers if you really need it and learn to rehab with patience. The human body is a machine and can recover from a lot of damage, but you also have to be delicate with it too.

[wafb]

I played competitive basketball in HS, three games before the playoff I tore all the ligaments from my tibula and fibia. Missed the three games but I made it to the playoff game with my foot heavily taped and braced. Scored 23 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 9 assists and stole the ball 8 times. In short, suck it up.

[Rhetro]

Originally Posted by wafb

I played competitive basketball in HS, three games before the playoff I tore all the ligaments from my tibula and fibia. Missed the three games but I made it to the playoff game with my foot heavily taped and braced. Scored 23 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 9 assists and stole the ball 8 times. In short, suck it up.

Yeah, I originally messed my arm up plaing HS basketball. Dislocated twice in two seasons and played through it for the most part. I'm used to playing with and through injuries. Im not used to having an irrational spaz attack fear when I get the same pressure feeling I had when I broke them.

But yeah, I know I need to just man up and get back out there.

[Thaispider]

I've had my share of injuries knee mostly, and the best way is too get back into training in some shape or form wether its just attending class and watching, or doing the bare basics until your healthy again, being around it keeps my interest peaked and makes a return much less daunting.


Although the longest I've ever had out was a week, so I've been pretty lucky.

[Gallows]

I've had similar experiences where when put in the same situation I was seriously afraid that something was going to go wrong all over again. In my cases I had my ribs jacked up for a month, and in another incident my shoulder was wrecked for awhile.

In both cases I took some time off to recover, then came back dreading another injury. I was actually quite nervous for about a month upon returning, but just kept at it, doing everything I did before, hoping nothing would go horribly wrong. Eventually I came out unscathed and no worse for wear and that fear just... went away.

Of course just telling you to get over it, is about as helpful as the below instructional.

Best way to get over your fear is to force yourself to endure it (despite it filling you with dread) for a little more before you start to realize it's not all that bad and it won't happen again.

[Rhetro]

Yeah I guess you're right. Just gotta sack up and push through it. I dig the owl picture, ha.

Thanks for responses though. Sounds pretty common with major injuries

[wafb]

I remember when I had back spasms after doing bent over barbell rows, to this day, I can't bring bring myself to do over 405 lbs because I'm afraid I'll hurt myself again.

[mls]

Rub one out, you'll get over fear quick then.

[Gallows]

Originally Posted by mls

Rub one out, you'll get over fear quick then.

Or possibly put a bunch of plates on your chest to simulate the experience, THEN rub one out.