Sports Performance Center

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

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Return to Sport

"Return to sport" (RTS) refers to the process by which an athlete or individual recovers from an injury or medical condition and is able to safely and effectively resume participating in their chosen sport or physical activity. This process involves several stages of assessment, rehabilitation, and gradual progression to ensure that the athlete is physically capable of performing at a level that minimizes the risk of re-injury.

Return to sport is a comprehensive and systematic approach that takes into account both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery. It typically involves the collaboration of various healthcare professionals, such as sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning specialists. The goal is to ensure that the athlete has regained sufficient strength, mobility, endurance, and sports-specific skills to safely participate in their sport again.

Return to Sport Protocol

The RTS process usually follows a structured protocol, which may include the following stages:

Stage 1
Injury Assessment and Diagnosis
The initial step involves diagnosing the nature and severity of the injury or medical condition. This may include imaging (such as X-rays or MRI scans) and clinical assessments.
 
Stage 2
Acute Treatment and Rehabilitation
Immediate treatment strategies are implemented to manage pain, swelling, and inflammation. Depending on the injury, this could involve rest, medication, physical therapy, and other interventions.
 
Stage 3
Rehabilitation and Conditioning
Once the acute phase is managed, the athlete begins a structured rehabilitation program that focuses on restoring strength, mobility, flexibility, and functional movement patterns. The intensity and exercises are tailored to the individual's specific needs.
 
Stage 4
Sports-Specific Training
As the athlete progresses in their rehabilitation, they gradually reintroduce sports-specific activities and movements. This might include sport-specific drills and simulations to replicate the demands of the sport.
 
Stage 5
Functional and Performance Testing
The athlete undergoes various assessments to determine their readiness to return to sport. These tests might include measures of strength, agility, power, endurance, and neuromuscular control.
 
Stage 6
Psychological and Cognitive Readiness
Returning to sport also involves addressing the psychological aspect, including an athlete's confidence, motivation, and mental preparedness to compete again.
 
Stage 7
Return-to-Play Decision
The final decision to allow the athlete to return to sport is made collaboratively by the medical team, the athlete, and the coaching staff. This decision is based on the athlete's physical condition, functional testing results, psychological readiness, and the risk of re-injury.
 
Stage 8
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Even after returning to sport, ongoing monitoring and follow-up are essential to ensure that the athlete's progress is maintained, and any potential issues are addressed promptly.
 

Return to sport is a complex process that varies depending on the individual, the nature of the injury, and the sport involved. It emphasizes a balance between promoting optimal recovery and minimizing the risk of re-injury, ensuring that athletes can safely enjoy their chosen physical activities.