do old but healed injuries hold you back?

For me it's kind of the opposite, I just let loose too soon, and crash and re-injure myself (luckily it has been different injuries)

However, for me the issue is how o gradually keep increasing my speed after an injury...

I had a collarbone break about 5 months ago, and now I have a suspected broken hand, since I went crazy on a race and missed a double... I guess you have to come back mentally from both ends, either holding back or going all out too soon...

It's how to conquer those 2 in your head which is the tough part...

It definitely takes me a while to feel good on the bike after an injury, both mentally and handling-wise. What I've found expediates the process is focusing on riding with solid technique, not necessarily pinning, for a while. By the time your confidence is back, your bike feel is where it should be too. Be patient!

I never go riding without a HELMET now. I was riding my bmx bike as fast and hard as i could down a hill and the chain snapped. I landed directly on my temple, fractured my eye socket and cheek bone. I was definitely afraid to get back on for some time. I found the easiest way was to start wearing a helmet. I bought a full face and a brain bucket.

I broke my femur a few years ago, aside from the muscle damage and the leg being 7/8" shorter than it was you dont get comfortable again till after you crash again and realize it will be ok.

I broke my fibia and my frame became fubar. onec healed and back on my new bike the first day i got it i hit a gap bent my bars ruptured my shock valve and broke my toe. Big injuries in a sense hold you back as they can cause injuries to reoccur. After being off the bike for long periods of time i tend to want to go balls out and get hurt.

If anyone has ever racked thier balls really hard, then you know about being apprehensive to get back on the bike. I was riding street and did like an 8 foot drop to flat concrete and my hussefelts gave out. I racked my jewels on the top tube and got a face full of stem. Upgrading my gear was a big piece of mind. Bought some profile splined cromoly cranks. But the fear of hurting my boys again is always in the back of my head.