What is the procedure for returning to sport out of physical therapy?
Returning to sport after physical therapy requires a careful and gradual process to ensure that you don’t reinjure yourself or cause any additional damage. Here is a general procedure that athletes can follow to safely return to their sport after physical therapy:
Clearance from your physical therapist: Before returning to your sport, you need to obtain clearance from your physical therapist. Your therapist will assess your progress, review your goals, and determine whether you are ready to return to your sport.
Start with light activity: Begin by gradually increasing your activity level with light activities such as jogging, cycling, or light weight lifting. This allows your body to adapt to the increased demands on your muscles and joints.
Progress to sport-specific activities: Once you are comfortable with light activities, start to incorporate more sport-specific activities into your routine. For example, if you are a soccer player, start with drills that focus on ball control, passing, and shooting.
Increase intensity and duration: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities to simulate the demands of your sport. For example, increase the speed and distance of your runs, or increase the weight and repetitions of your weight lifting.
Practice in controlled environments: To minimize the risk of reinjury, practice in controlled environments such as a gym or training facility before returning to full competition.
Return to full competition: Once you have successfully completed the previous steps, you can return to full competition. However, it is important to continue to listen to your body and gradually increase your intensity and duration to prevent overuse injuries.
Remember that returning to your sport after physical therapy is a process that requires patience, dedication, and careful planning. Work with your physical therapist and coach to develop a plan that is tailored to your needs and goals, and always listen to your body to avoid re-injury.