Working with Medical Staff: How to Advocate for Your Health and Get the Right Care
- RIZE
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Updated: May 2
👉 As an athlete, you depend on your body for everything — but when something hurts, it’s not always easy to speak up and ask for help.
👉 You might worry about being seen as weak, losing your spot, or getting sidelined.
👉 But hiding injuries or staying silent can lead to worse problems — including long-term damage that could end your career.
💥 Here’s how to work with medical staff confidently — so you get the care you deserve and protect your career.

1. First of All: You Deserve to Be Heard and Helped
👉 Medical teams are there for YOU. Their job is to keep you healthy and safe.
👉 You have the right to speak up — even if you think people won’t like it.
💥 Taking care of your body is part of being a great athlete — it’s not weakness, it’s smart.
2. Why Athletes Sometimes Struggle to Speak Up
👉 You’re not alone if you’ve ever thought:
🚩 “If I tell them I’m hurting, I might not play.”
🚩 “They’ll think I’m soft if I complain.”
🚩 “Maybe this pain is normal — maybe I’m overreacting.”
🚩 “I don’t want to bother anyone — I’ll just deal with it.”
💥 But hiding pain or pretending you’re fine won’t make it go away — it can make it worse.
3. When to Talk to Medical Staff (Hint: Don’t Wait Too Long)
👉 If you notice ANY of these, speak up — even if you think you can "handle it."
🚩 A. Pain that doesn’t go away — or gets worse
💡 "It’s been hurting for a week, and not getting better."
🚩 B. Pain that changes how you move
💡 "I’m running weird to avoid the pain."
🚩 C. Swelling, bruising, or weird sensations (like numbness or tingling)
🚩 D. Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision (possible concussion)
🚩 E. Any injury that makes you hesitate or hold back in training/games
💥 If it affects how you play — it’s serious enough to talk about.
4. How to Speak Up and Advocate for Yourself (Without Fear)
👉 You are the expert on your body — your voice matters. Here’s how to speak up clearly:
✅ A. Be Honest — Don’t Downplay It
💬 “I’ve been having sharp pain in my knee for a week. It’s not getting better.”
💬 “I’m worried because my shoulder feels unstable when I move.”
💥 Tell them exactly what you feel — even if you think it sounds small.
✅ B. Be Specific — The More Details, the Better
👉 Instead of "It hurts," try:
💬 “It hurts when I sprint, especially when I turn fast to the right.”
💬 “The pain is sharp and feels deep, not just sore muscles.”
💥 Details help them figure out what’s really happening — and how to help.
✅ C. Ask Questions — You Deserve to Understand What’s Going On
💬 “What do you think this is?”
💬 “How long should I expect this to take to heal?”
💬 “What can I do to help it get better faster?”
💬 “Is it safe for me to keep training right now?”
💥 You have the right to understand your injury and recovery plan.
5. What to Do If You Feel Like You’re Not Being Taken Seriously
👉 Sadly, sometimes athletes feel ignored or brushed off — especially if they’re younger, newer, or part of underrepresented groups.
✅ A. Speak Up Again — Be Clear About Your Concerns
💬 “I’m still worried about this — I know my body, and something isn’t right.”
✅ B. Ask for a Second Opinion (If Needed)
👉 You can say: 💬 “I appreciate your help, but I’d like another opinion on this.”
💥 It’s okay to double-check — it’s your body, your career.
✅ C. Talk to Someone You Trust on Staff
👉 A coach, team captain, or mentor can help advocate for you if needed.
💥 You don’t have to fight for care alone.
6. How to Build a Good Relationship with Medical Staff
👉 The better your relationship, the easier it is to get help when you need it.
✅ A. Be Honest — Always Tell the Truth About Pain and Symptoms
💥 They can’t help what they don’t know.
✅ B. Check in Regularly — Don’t Wait for a Crisis
👉 Talk to staff about small issues before they become big ones.
💥 Preventing injuries is better than fixing them.
✅ C. Show That You Take Care of Yourself
👉 If you follow their advice and show that you care about recovery, they’ll trust you more and take you seriously.
💥 It’s a partnership — work together.
7. Final Words — You Are Your Best Advocate
💥 Nobody knows your body like you do.
💥 Speaking up about pain or concerns is strength — not weakness.
💥 You deserve the best care so you can play your best and protect your future.
💥 Medical teams are there to help — but they need to hear from you.
8. Take These Reminders With You
🟢 “My body, my career — I have the right to speak up.”
🟢 “I don’t need to hide pain — I deserve to be helped.”
🟢 “Asking for care makes me a smarter, stronger athlete.”
🟢 “The faster I speak up, the faster I can recover and play better.”
🟢 “I don’t have to handle this alone — I can ask for support.”
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