Return to Sport
It is a well known fact in the athletic world that the one thing that will predisposition you to get hurt while playing a sport is having been hurt before. There are evidenced based tests that identify risk factors and lower your risk of re-injury that we can do to make sure that you're as prepared as possible before you set foot on the field, track, or court again.
If you are remotely concerned about returning to play please give me a call, I can and will run you through every single test and make sure that we have done everything we can to eliminate risk.
Before your first visit we will discuss your sporting activities, lifestyle, home life, health and previous injury/treatments as well as what you would like to achieve with therapy. We will come up with a time and place to meet and you will receive paperwork to complete before your first visit.
Your first visit will include:
Paperwork
A quick review of the paperwork so we can address anything not discussed during our phone conversation.
Vitals check
A quick check of your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at home to get a baseline. A check in your own environment without the stress of being in a doctors office will be more accurate.
Strength and mobility assessment
A thorough strength and mobility assessment is needed as I believe in a whole body approach, I will make sure to take the time that we have together to thoroughly examine you as your whole body gets weaker while you sit on the sidelines.
Special Tests
As needed.
In the last 15 minutes of your initial visit we will discuss and come up with exercises for home as well as a treatment plan involving frequency of telephone versus in person visits.
In further visits:
Return to Sport Testing
It is important to note that these tests build on top of each other so you have to pass one to do the next. Not every test is completed depending on the level of activity, type of sport that you play, and precautions from the surgeon.
Functional Movement Screen
A pre-participation screening tool designed to identify compensatory movement patterns that are indicative of increased injury risk and inefficient movement that causes reduced performance.
Y Balance Test
A thoroughly researched protocol based on research done on the Star Excursion Balance Test. Demonstrates reliable results in predicting athletes that will be injured.
Squat Loading Symmetry
Determines if you are loading similar weight on each leg in a squat. Putting an increased weight on one leg consistently will fatigue it faster, leading to injury.
Single Leg Squat Test
A commonly used functional test of the hip and lower leg that also has an element of balance. Purpose: to measure the strength of the lower body, particularly the quadriceps and gluteal muscle groups, and the hip stabilizers. A single leg squat is a slow motion hop; running is a very beautiful version of hopping from one leg to another.
Landing Error Scoring System (LESS)
Assesses the landing portion of a jump for errors that will lead to injury. It is done with video analysis.
Tuck Jump Test
An assessment of both jumping and tuck jumping technique, it explores the coordination and power of the injured leg in comparison to the non-injured leg. It is completed using video analysis
Single Leg Hop Test (SLHT)
Measures the speed and power of the injured leg compared to the non-injured leg.
Video Analysis
Video analysis is a great way to pinpoint a movement issue potentially causing your pain and later to see a marked difference when comparing pre and post videos side-by-side.
