The reality is sports injuries can occur suddenly and unexpectedly despite an individual’s best efforts. Athletes who have sustained an injury need to complete rehabilitation before returning to their game. A full recovery involves meeting return to play protocols to prevent a recurrence of the injury.
If you are an active individual, a sports medicine specialist can help you with balancing recovery and performance. In this article, we are going to explore return to play protocols, and at the end, recommend a top sports medicine doctor in San Antonio.
What Are Return to Play Protocols?
Return to play protocols are meticulously designed plans that outline the steps and criteria an athlete must meet before being deemed fit to resume training or competition after an injury.
These protocols are often tailored to specific types of injuries and are formulated based on a combination of extensive research and medical expertise by sports medicine specialists such as orthopedic doctors and physical therapists.
The protocols typically incorporate a combination of the following to ensure a safe and effective return to play:
- Physical assessments
- Functional tests
- Rehabilitation milestones
- Performance benchmarks
The goal of return to play protocols is to safeguard the health and well-being of athletes while minimizing the risk of re-injury. By providing a structured framework for the gradual progression of an athlete’s physical activities, these protocols aim to prevent a premature return to sports, which could lead to a recurrence of an old injury or the development of a new one.
Why Athletes Should Make a Full Recovery
Even non-athletes are guided through the completion of recovery before returning to normal activities. For athletes, who have to meet the high demands of their competitive sport, are no exception. An athlete who returns to play too soon risks not just another injury, but also their overall performance.
Return to play protocols are critical for any athlete or individual who finds it important to return to peak physical condition and performance levels.
Return to Play Protocols After a Foot and Ankle Injury
Athletes need to pass return to play protocols following a foot or ankle injury. These protocols typically involve a gradual progression. Below is an example of comprehensive return to play protocols:
Step 1: Initial Assessment
A thorough evaluation of the injury, which includes testing balance and proprioception to establish a baseline for rehabilitation.
Step 2: Rest and Protection
A period of rest and protection, involving non-weight bearing or partial weight-bearing strategies, to facilitate tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Step 3: Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program focusing on building strength, improving proprioception, and enhancing agility specific to the foot and ankle.
Step 4: Functional Testing
Gradual introduction of functional tests to assess the readiness for return to play, which includes:
- Sport-specific movements
- Agility drills
- Balance assessments
Step 5: Sport-Specific Training
Integration of sport-specific training activities, such as running drills and cutting maneuvers, and other position-specific exercises tailored to the demands of the athlete’s particular sport.
Step 6: Gradual Return to Full Participation
Incremental return to full participation in sports, starting with non-contact training, progressing to controlled contact practices, and ultimately, full competitive play.
Step 7: Psychological Readiness
Consideration of psychological readiness through confidence-building exercises and stress management techniques, as well as education on injury prevention and self-care.
Step 8: Periodic Reevaluation
Periodic reevaluation by medical professionals to ensure sustained progress and address any lingering concerns before granting full clearance for return to play.
These comprehensive protocols are designed to prioritize the athlete’s complete physical and psychological recovery from the injury. As an athlete, you cannot afford to be anything but the best on the court or field.
Top Sports Medicine Physician in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, and Live Oak, TX
The foot and ankle doctors at The Podiatry Group of South Texas are trained in sports medicine. We are proud to serve the needs of athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals who have suffered pain or injury in their feet or ankles or would like to enhance their athletic performance.
Our sports medicine podiatrists believe it is our job to keep your feet and ankles healthy and assist you with return to play. We won’t rush the process and will ensure you have the most advanced information and treatments available for a full recovery.
To schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine doctors, call our podiatry office near you. We look forward to serving your podiatric needs!
