Chapter Overview

The rehabilitation philosophy in sports medicine is an aggressive one, with the ultimate goal being to return the injured athlete to full activity as quickly and safely as possible.

Short-term goals of a rehabilitation program are: (1) providing correct immediate first aid and management following injury to limit or control swelling; (2) reducing or minimizing pain; (3) restoring full range of motion; (4) restoring or increasing muscular strength, endurance, and power; (5) reestablishing neuromuscular control; (6) improving balance; (7) maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness; and (8) incorporating appropriate functional progressions.

The athlete should be permitted to fully return to activity when he or she is fully reconditioned and has achieved full range of movement, strength, neuromuscular control, cardiovascular fitness, and sport-specific functional skills. Besides physical well-being, the athlete must also have regained full confidence to return to his or her sport.

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