Offseason Recovery: Strengthening Athletes’ Return to Sport Through Eating Disorder Treatment

By the Athlete EDGE at EDCare Team, with contributions from Kate Daley, MA, LPCC, RDN, Primary Therapist, and Taylor Smith, MA, Mental Performance Coach 

For athletes, the offseason is often seen as a time to rest, refine skills, and prepare for the competitive season ahead. However, for those struggling with an eating disorder, the offseason (often during spring and summer depending on the sport) presents a unique opportunity to prioritize recovery. Seeking treatment during this period can not only address immediate health concerns but also lay the foundation for improved performance, resilience, and long-term well-being.  

Join us as we explore why the offseason is an ideal time for athletes to pursue eating disorder recovery, how to navigate common barriers to seeking treatment, and the powerful benefits of athlete-specific care. This blog will support both athletes and the coaches, trainers, and staff who work with them in understanding how recovery can strengthen an athlete’s return to sport, both physically and mentally. 

The Strategic Timing of Offseason Recovery 

The offseason, particularly in spring and summer, aligns well with the schedules of many college-aged athletes, offering a window to focus on recovery without the immediate pressures of competition. Unlike the in-season period, when athletes are immersed in games, practices, and travel, the offseason provides a less demanding schedule, allowing time for intensive treatment. According to a study by Mountjoy et al. (2018), addressing health issues like eating disorders during periods of reduced training can prevent further physical and psychological harm, enabling athletes to return to pre-season training stronger and healthier. For example, a collegiate athlete who begins treatment in the spring may complete a comprehensive recovery program and may be ready to resume training by late summer or early fall, minimizing disruptions to their competitive season. 

However, the idea of an “ideal” time for treatment can be misleading. As Taylor Smith, MA, Mental Performance Coach at Athlete EDGE, notes, athletes often fear of missing out (FOMO) on training or social aspects of their sport, similar to how they might feel about a physical injury. This fear is valid, but delaying treatment can exacerbate disordered eating behaviors, leading to more severe consequences. Treatment during the offseason allows athletes to confront these challenges head-on, building mental and physical resilience that enhances their readiness for the upcoming season. 

Overcoming Barriers to Seeking Treatment 

One of the most common barriers athletes face is the belief that they “don’t have time” for treatment due to demanding training schedules. This mindset can delay recovery and worsen symptoms. Kate Daley, MA, LPCC, RDN, Primary Therapist at Athlete EDGE, emphasizes that no time will ever feel “right” for treatment, but being proactive leads to the best outcomes. Research supports this approach. A study found that early intervention for eating disorders in athletes significantly improves recovery rates and reduces the risk of long-term health complications (Arthur-Cameselle & Quatromoni, 2013). 

Athletes may also be unaware that they need treatment, especially if they don’t recognize the signs of disordered eating. Common indicators include an inability to follow outpatient team recommendations, frequent injuries, or plateauing or declining performance. For instance, a study by Sundgot-Borgen et al. (2013) revealed that athletes with eating disorders are at higher risk for overuse injuries due to inadequate nutrition and energy deficits. Coaches and trainers play a critical role in identifying these red flags and encouraging athletes to seek help, even when the athlete minimizes their struggles. 

To overcome these barriers, athletes and their support teams must reframe treatment as an investment in future success. Just as rehabilitation for a torn ligament requires time and dedication, so does recovery from disordered eating. By prioritizing treatment in the offseason, athletes can address these issues before they spiral, setting the stage for a stronger return to sport. 

The Long-Term Impact on Performance and Resilience 

Seeking treatment during the offseason does more than address immediate symptoms, it equips athletes with the tools and foundation needed for sustained high-level performance. Disordered eating often undermines an athlete’s ability to train effectively, as it disrupts energy availability, mental focus, and physical health. Treatment helps restore these elements, establishing increased trust in both mind and body. As Kate Daley, MA, LPCC, RDN, explains, athletes who complete treatment learn coping skills and nutritional strategies that support their training demands, leading to improved performance and overall well-being. 

The transformative effects of recovery extend beyond the physical. Taylor Smith, MA highlights one of the most profound changes observed in athletes who take time for treatment: the rediscovery of their authentic selves. Many athletes define themselves solely through their sport, and an eating disorder can intensify this narrow identity. Treatment encourages athletes to explore who they are outside of athletics, fostering a healthier relationship with their sport and themselves. This expanded identity often reignites their passion for their sport, allowing them to return with renewed motivation and competitiveness. For example, an athlete who once viewed their sport as a source of pressure may rediscover the joy of competition, approaching their return with greater resilience. 

Research underscores the long-term benefits of recovery, showing that athletes who engaged in eating disorder treatment reported improved mental health, better performance outcomes, and reduced relapse rates compared to those who delayed or avoided treatment (Arthur-Cameselle & Quatromoni, 2013). By addressing disordered eating in the off season, athletes can build a sustainable framework for success, both in sport and in life. 

The Value of Athlete-Specific Treatment 

Not all eating disorder treatment options are created equal, especially for athletes. General treatment programs may not fully address the unique pressures and identities tied to athletic performance. At Athlete EDGE at EDCare, treatment is tailored to the athlete’s needs, integrating their athletic identity into the recovery process. From the beginning, athletes work with a team of specialized providers, including a primary therapist, sports dietitian, mental performance coach, and strength and conditioning coach. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that recovery aligns with the athlete’s goals, both in sport and beyond. 

Athlete-specific treatment differs from general programs in several key ways. First, it acknowledges the role of sport in the athlete’s life, helping them navigate the balance between performance demands and recovery. Second, it addresses sport-specific triggers, such as pressure to maintain a certain body composition or cope with competitive stress. Finally, it focuses on expanding the athlete’s identity and coping skills beyond sport, which is critical for long-term success. As Kate Daley, MA, LPCC, RDN, notes, this holistic approach empowers athletes to thrive in their sport while developing resilience for life outside of competition. 

The importance of specialized care is evident in the outcomes. Athletes who receive tailored treatment are better equipped to manage the physical and psychological demands of their sport, reducing the likelihood of relapse. By integrating mental performance coaching, nutritional guidance, and strength training into the recovery process, programs like Athlete EDGE at EDCare help athletes return to sport with confidence and clarity. 

A Call to Action for Athletes and Coaches 

For athletes struggling with disordered eating, the offseason is a powerful opportunity to prioritize recovery. It’s a chance to address health concerns, rebuild trust in your body, and rediscover your love for your sport. To coaches, trainers, and athletic staff, your ability to recognize the signs of disordered eating and over-exercising plays a vital role in encouraging athletes to seek treatment. Look for warning signs like frequent injuries, performance plateaus, or difficulty following nutritional recommendations, and approach these conversations with empathy and support. 

The journey to recovery is not easy, but it is worth it. As the Athlete EDGE team has seen time and again, athletes who take the time to focus on their recovery emerge stronger, more resilient, and better prepared to excel in their sport and beyond. By seeking treatment in the offseason, athletes can transform their relationship with themselves and their sport, paving the way for a triumphant return to competition. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Reach out to a specialized program like Athlete EDGE at EDCare to start the journey toward recovery today. 

References 

Arthur-Cameselle, J. N., & Quatromoni, P. A. (2013). Eating Disorders in Collegiate Female Athletes: Factors That Assist Recovery. Eating Disorders, 22(1), 50–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2014.857518  

Mountjoy, M., Sundgot-Borgen, J., Burke, L., Carter, S., Constantini, N., Lebrun, C., Meyer, N., Sherman, R., Steffen, K., Budgett, R., & Ljungqvist, A. (2018). The IOC consensus statement: Beyond the female athlete triad—Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(7), 687–697. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099208  

Sundgot-Borgen, J., Meyer, N. L., Lohman, T. G., Ackland, T. R., Maughan, R. J., Stewart, A. D., & Müller, W. (2013). How to minimise the health risks to athletes who compete in weight-sensitive sports review and position statement on behalf of the Ad Hoc Research Working Group on Body Composition, Health and Performance, under the auspices of the IOC Medical Commission. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(16), 1012–1022. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092966  

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If you or someone you know is struggling, contact EDCare at 303-771-0861 for a free, confidential assessment or inquire using the form below. Join us in building a future where athletes’ mental health is prioritized, supported, and celebrated—because every athlete deserves to thrive, both in sport and in life.