Ask any athlete what happens after six weeks without training, and the answer is rarely optimistic. Injury, the off-season, a heavy travel schedule, or simply a demanding period of life can all force time away from the gym, and strength often seems to disappear with it. This post explains why motor imagery can help, what the evidence shows, how to practice it properly, and who stands to benefit most.

When an athlete goes down on the pitch, the first responder's training kicks in immediately. They assess the mechanism, stabilise the injury, manage pain, and facilitate safe removal from the field of play. But in that same moment, something else is happening that rarely features in any emergency action plan.

Returning to sport after an ACL injury is often described as a physical journey. Athletes spend months rebuilding strength, balance, range of movement, and confidence in their knee. This blog explores why mental health should be considered alongside physical testing when supporting athletes after ACL injury.