When is an Athlete Ready to Return to Play?

An athlete’s return to play or competition can create conflicts among all parties involved. Even when an athlete no longer experiences pain from their injury, this does not mean they have fully recovered.

Aside from what is visible on the outside, athletes and their coaches should consult a licensed physiotherapist to determine whether they are ready to return to play or should continue a sports rehabilitation program.

How can one determine when the athlete is ready to return to play?

Athletes who sustain severe injuries during training or competition are often advised to take time off to rest and recover. Depending on the severity of the injury, some athletes may require surgery and sports physiotherapy to achieve complete recovery.

Whether an athlete is ready to return to play is not the decision of the athlete and coaches alone. A recommendation from a licensed medical specialist or physiotherapist must be sought and considered to ensure the injury has fully healed. It will not put the athlete at risk of further damage.

Is the athlete fit to play?

One of the most common indicators of recovery is the absence of pain. However, things may become confusing if athletes report no pain, even if the injury has not completely healed. Further testing by an experienced medical specialist is required to confirm recovery, particularly if the athlete sustained a severe injury.

Suppose athletes sustain mild injuries during practice or a sports event. In that case, a licensed sports massage therapist may step in (in the absence of a doctor or physiotherapist) to provide first aid and help determine whether the athlete is fit to return to play. 

Has their functional performance returned to normal?

Before they are allowed to return to play, athletes who suffered severe sports injuries are often advised to undergo rehabilitation and/or manual therapy in Dubai to alleviate pain and help them return to a level of functional performance that is similar to (if not better than) what they were able to perform before the injury.

Examinations that incorporate technology and various physical activities are often used to determine whether the athlete is ready to return without increasing the risk of a more serious injury. To better assess the athlete’s current condition, physiotherapists often examine the integrity of the injured structure, structures commonly injured in the particular sport, and structures identified as high risk based on the individual’s risk profile (age, history, and gender).

If you need to consult a specialist about a sports injury or you are instructed to get Dubai physiotherapy after recovering for a few days, Scandinavian Physiotherapy Center DMCC offers a range of treatment plans that are tailored to your needs. You may visit one of our clinics for a consultation or book an appointment for therapy sessions.