At our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy offices, return to sport training is a critical phase in a patient’s recovery from pain, injury, or surgery. In the fields of physical therapy and orthopedic medicine, “return to sport” has traditionally meant clearing patients for general activities like jogging, agility drills, or basic cutting maneuvers. While these exercises are important, they don’t fully prepare athletes to meet the specific demands of their unique sports. A truly comprehensive return-to-sport program goes beyond generic movement patterns and focuses on sport-specific training that replicates the precise skills, decision-making, and intensity an athlete will face in competition. This approach ensures not only physical readiness but also mental confidence in returning to peak performance that is specific to a desired sport.
For example, consider skiers. A skier recovering from a knee injury requires dynamic rehab that includes drills for controlling their weight over their skis, practicing edge transitions, and managing balance on unstable surfaces to simulate the variability of the slopes. Standard rehab for a basketball player returning from injury might include general running and jumping drills, but returning to basketball requires much more. This athlete needs exercises that demand unilateral upper body movements, such as dribbling, combined with balance and dexterity while scanning the court for defenders and teammates. For climbers, returning to sport after a shoulder or hand injury involves progressive climbing-specific drills, like grip endurance training, overhanging techniques, and body positioning on the wall. These activities build the unique strength and movement patterns required for climbing while reducing risk of reinjury.
At Mend, we understand that every athlete is unique, and their rehab program should reflect the challenges of their sport. Lucas is a former collegiate athlete and has first hand experience working with high level high-school, collegiate, and outdoor athletes. By combining expert manual therapy techniques with functional, sport-specific training, we help athletes safely and confidently return to doing what they love. If you’re ready to not just recover but truly return to sport, we’re here to help you every step.
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