How Important is Process of Injury Rehabilitation??

 

Return from athletic injury can be a lengthy and difficult process. The injured athlete commonly receives care from several providers during rehabilitation. As their condition improves, injured athletes resume strength and conditioning programs and sport-specific activities in preparation for return to play. Until full medical clearance is provided to return to sport and the athlete is psychologically ready to return to play, the injured athlete remains a patient regardless of who is developing and supervising each component of the recovery process. An understanding of and commitment to the plan of care for each athlete, as well as communication among health care providers, strength and conditioning specialists, coaches, and the athletes, are essential to the safest and most efficient recovery from injury.

 

Return from athletic injury can be a lengthy and difficult process. The injured athlete commonly receives care from several providers, including physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and strength and conditioning specialists. At some point in the recovery process, athletes return to strength and conditioning programs and resume sport-specific activities in preparation for return to play. The transition is important for several reasons.

The severity of an injury and the complexity of the medical and surgical care affect the rate of recovery and the extent to which rehabilitation must be supervised in some cases. In all cases, clear and open communication is required from each person who is participating in the care process. Until full medical clearance is provided to return to sport and the athlete is psychologically ready to return to play, the injured athlete remains a patient regardless of who is developing and supervising each respective component of the recovery process.

Strength and conditioning specialists should give assessments of performance to health care providers with objective and quantifiable information that can show reliable, time-based trends indicative of improvement or lack of progress. Ultimately, successful rehabilitation depends on trust. The athlete must trust that all who participate in the treatment and rehabilitation process place the welfare of the athlete first.