When Can I Return To Play After Injury? By Greg Crossman PT, DPT

This is a question we get almost every day in the clinic. 

The first thing an athlete wants to know after they suffer an injury is when they can get back on the field, court, or ice. Though the answer often depends on several factors related to the extent of the injury and the specific demands of the athlete’s sport, there are some principles that should be followed in preparing athletes to return.  

Time. The injured tissues must be given proper time to heal. Though healing times can vary slightly between individuals, they are fairly consistent based on the tissues affected and the extent of the damage. This cannot be rushed as stressing healing tissues too early can ultimately delay the overall recovery process. Below is a table with specifics on healing times:

Restoring proper mobility, stability, and control. This phase is important as failure to properly address all these factors can result in unwanted compensations by the athlete.  Good athletes tend to be good compensators which can both impair performance and also lead to increased risk of future injury. It is important during this phase that motion, strength, and dynamic control are measured objectively and consistently to monitor progress and help individualize the treatment plan.  

Reconditioning. This phase of recovery involves the athlete slowly and systematically returning to sport related activities without exceeding stress tolerance of the healing tissues. During this phase, clear communication between the athlete, therapist, athletic trainer, and coach is key. The psychological aspect of return to sport is also important here. Questionnaires can be given to help determine an athlete’s psychological readiness and a consultation with a sports psychologist may be helpful.

There is no simple answer as to when an athlete can return to play after injury, but there are principles that should be followed during rehab. Allowing time for tissues to heal, restoring mobility, strength, and control followed by gradually returning the athlete to sport will help return the athlete as quickly and safely as possible. Throughout this process, communication between the athlete, doctor, physical therapist, athletic trainer, and coach is essential.

At Complete Game, we have experience with athletes at all levels of their sports including hockey, baseball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. We understand how concerning an injury can be to an athlete and apply our knowledge to each unique situation. Our goal is getting you back to the life and sports you love! Whether you’ve injured your achilles tendon, pulled a hamstring, had Tommy John surgery, or any number of injuries, we are here to help! Contact us to schedule your convenient appointment today.