Serious injuries can disrupt daily life and shake a person's confidence and sense of identity. Elite athletes know this well: an injury can force them out of their sport, require rehabilitation and leave their return uncertain. Experts say the way top athletes heal — physically, mentally and emotionally — shows what recovery demands of anyone facing chronic pain, surgery or another setback. "Sport has always mimicked life," said Ross Flowers, a sports psychologist in Los Angeles. He added that everyone faces challenges and setbacks, and must figure out how to overcome them.

First, learn to recognize your body's limits and rest instead of pushing through pain. Because progress is rarely steady, patience matters as much as effort. Liv Paxton, a former college runner who tore her Achilles tendon, said she once believed she was "bulletproof," but now she listens to her body and slows down when she needs to.

Second, give yourself permission to grieve. Loss is common after any life-changing event, especially a career-ending injury, and a strong support system helps people stay grounded. Kyle Arrington, a former football player whose career ended after a concussion, said his family and friends helped him through a difficult time. He now mentors young people.

Finally, look beyond who you were. Experts say recovery often improves when people stop trying to reclaim the past and instead find new goals that can replace what was lost. Patricia Alcivar, a former boxer who suffered several injuries, now runs marathons and climbs mountains. "I will never regret boxing because it taught me that I am a fighter inside and outside the ring," Alcivar said.