When the Season Ends in Surgery: Staying Positive After a Sports Injury
Finding Strength in Recovery and Staying Connected
As Dr. William Sterett, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in the mountain towns of Frisco and Vail, Colorado, I’ve worked with countless athletes who faced the heartbreak of a season-ending injury. For many, the physical pain is only part of the challenge. The bigger hurdle can be dealing with the disappointment of missed practices, games, and time with teammates.
The truth is, surgery doesn’t mean the end of your athletic journey, it’s simply a different season, one focused on recovery, growth, and building resilience.
Coping with Missed Seasons
When an injury requires surgery, athletes often feel like the sport they love has been taken away. It’s normal to grieve the lost opportunities, but it’s also important to shift perspective. Instead of thinking of this as “lost time,” think of it as an investment in the future. Proper surgical repair and structured rehabilitation give you the best chance of returning stronger than before.
“Reframing recovery as part of the athletic journey helps athletes stay motivated,” I tell patients. “Every step in rehab is just as important as every practice drill.”
Understanding Recovery Timelines
One of the hardest parts of surgery is the uncertainty of recovery. Athletes want to know exactly when they can return to play. The reality is that timelines vary depending on the injury, surgery type, and individual healing.
For example:
ACL reconstruction often requires 9–12 months before full return to sport.
Shoulder stabilization surgery may need 4–6 months.
Meniscus repairs can take 4–9 months depending on the tear.
Clear communication with your surgeon and rehab team helps set realistic goals and reduces frustration along the way.
Staying Engaged with Your Team
Being sidelined doesn’t mean being isolated. Many athletes find that staying connected to their teammates is a critical part of recovery. You can:
Attend practices and games when possible.
Take on leadership roles off the field, mentoring younger players or helping track stats.
Share your rehab progress to inspire teammates.
Remaining part of the team culture can lift spirits and maintain the sense of identity that comes with being an athlete.
Building Mental Resilience
Surgery can feel like a setback, but it’s also an opportunity to develop mental toughness. Setting small goals, celebrating milestones, and practicing patience are skills that not only aid recovery but also carry over into life and sport.
Dr. Sterett and his team works closely with athletes to guide them through both the physical and mental aspects of recovery. With the right mindset and medical support, surgery can be the start of a comeback story rather than the end of a season.
The Bigger Picture
Injuries happen, but how athletes respond to them defines their path forward. By staying positive, embracing rehab, and staying connected with their team, athletes can turn what feels like a low point into a foundation for future success.
If you’re facing surgery and worried about what comes next, request a consultation. Together, we’ll build a recovery plan that gets you back to the activities, and the team you love.
