Many athletes often suffer from re-injuries that are greater in severity than the initial injury. Re-injury most often occurs when the athlete has not prepared properly for returning to competition. An injured athlete must take the time and responsibility to prepare his/her body for returning to activity. In addition, untreated traumatic injuries, especially joint injuries, occurring during childhood can lead to arthritis and related conditions in adulthood.
   
Returning to Sports Safely After Injury:
   
1) Begin return with light sport specific drills. (Light50% of full speed)
2) When this is pain free for at least 24 hours post activity, increase the intensity to approximately 75% of full speed.
3) If pain reoccurs during drills, modify drill.
4) If pain hinders next practice, decrease the intensity and change movement patterns to straight forward/backward movements.
5) If pain is resolved before next practice, stay at previous intensity or decrease slightly.
6) Always be aware of hazardous conditions.
7) If problems persist, see physician.
 


You CAN work through FATIGUE; you CANNOT work through PAIN!!!!

FATIGUE: ache, burning in muscle
PAIN: pain (dull or sharp) in joint or muscle that does not go away with warm-up.


Athlete should have full pain-free range of normal motion when compared with uninjured side.

If injury was serious and/or required treatment by a physician, talk with your doctor about an isokinetic muscle test to ensure that normal strength has returned.

Athlete should have complete functional stability before returning to activity. Coaches and/or parents can test the athlete for this. Have the athlete perform sport specific skills, making certain that coordination has returned and that all signs of limping are eliminated.