Returning to Athletics Post-Covid-19 By Lauren Bennett DPT
2022 is upon us and unfortunately, so is Covid-19…still. Two years have passed since the start of the pandemic and though sports have resumed, many athletes are still unable to compete at the same caliber as before. Whether it is because of cancellations, spikes in cases, lack of players, or contracting it themselves, athletes from youth to professional are missing out on hours they would normally be spending on the court/ice/field/etc. In addition, athletes who contract Covid-19 are now spending up to 2 weeks in isolation and even more weeks with lasting symptoms. The purpose of this blog post is to discuss safe means for athletes to return to their sport following a bout of Covid-19.
Activity following a period of detraining (ie. 2 weeks of quarantine) can result in injury, especially if resumed too aggressively. One of the most common and lasting symptoms of Covid-19 is fatigue which can last for weeks even after you come out of isolation. It is important for athletes to pace themselves and not rush back into their normal routine. Whether that routine includes sports, weight training, or for working individuals, a physically demanding occupation.
Before getting back to exercise, you need to be able to perform a “typical” day of activity. For example, household chores or school/workplace activities that are not physically demanding but may be mentally draining. Once you are able to handle daily activities, try adding in light activities. These include light cardio (ie. walking, biking) and light sports-specific exercises that an athlete can perform at home or on the sidelines. Once light activities are tolerated, trial moderately intense exercise such as weightlifting, running, and light plyometrics. It is important to regain the strength and endurance that the athlete embodied prior to their quarantine. Returning to high intensity exercise should only occur following a gradual lead up as previously mentioned.
Please reference below for a guided return-to-sport process:
Normal day-to-day activities (return-to-school, return-to-work)
Low load cardio (walking, biking for 20+ minutes)
Light strengthening (body weight) and individual sports-specific activities (dribbling, throwing, shooting, serving, etc)
Moderate intensity exercise (weighted lifts, running, jumping)
High intensity exercise (heavy lifting, spriting, agility/plyometrics) and sports practice
Full return-to-sport
Covid-19 has affected us all differently, and it is important to remember that recovering from an illness, especially if symptoms are intense and lasting, needs to be handled like recovering from an injury. If not, athletes may very well find themselves stuck on the sidelines anyways, due to a preventable injury.
At Complete Game Physical Therapy we work with athletes and all patients who are recovering from injury and illness. We are conveniently located in Lowell and Tewksbury and we always provide a positive, supportive, personalized approach Visit us at completegamept.com to request an appointment online or give us a call at 978-710-7204. We look forward to helping you!
COVID-19: Return to play or strenuous activity following infection - UpToDate
COVID-19 and Workplace Injuries: What’s the Connection? | EHS Today