Rehabilitation can take a long time depending on the injury.

A doctor or physiotherapist should supervise the process.

Rehabilitation aims to:- Restore function to the injured area.- Return athlete quickly and safely to

competition.- Prevent re-injury.- Glue in figure 19.1 pg: 335 PDHPE

Application and Inquiry

As pain and swelling subside, slow movement through the range of motion should be carried out to promote elasticity in the scar tissue and enhance recovery time.

Joint mobilisation can be achieved through passive and active exercises that are gradually increased over time.

STRETCHING Controlled static and PNF stretching

further promote elasticity of the scar tissue and increase the likelihood of returning to peak flexibility.

Passive stretching with machines or a partner is also very common in rehabilitation.

Stretching enhances rehabilitation as it:- Reduces muscle tension- Increases circulation- Increases muscle and tendon length- Increases the range of motion.

Strength and conditioning of the injured area and surrounding body parts must be developed to reduce muscle atrophy and for support and performance reasons.

Isometric exercises are used when there is no movement at the joint.

As movement at the joint increases isotonic and isokinetic exercises using further resistance can be introduced as they will develop strength through a full range of movement.

Body parts and fitness components unaffected by the injury should be maintained throughout the recovery process.

As recovery improves, activities that could not be done can be gradually incorporated.

Flexibility, strength and endurance need to be promoted with activities that are specific to your sport.

This total body fitness will depend on the injury. Equipment for total body fitness include: treadmills, rowing/cycling machines, swimming/water resistance activites, weight training, walking or light jogging.

Eg: when recovery from an ankle injury, upper body strength can still be maintained with resistance training with no load being placed on the ankle. Once recovery has begun jogging at a slow pace can be performed and gradually the speed increased to further develop the strength in the ankle region.

An athlete who has finished a treatment and rehabilitation program is not ready to return to full competition.

If the athlete were to return to competition at this stage there would be significant risk of re-injury because specific game skills, movement skills and confidence have not be re-established.

A period of time devoted to normal training before returning to competition is essential. This promotes a return of specific movement patterns, coordination and skills.

A graduated sport specific program will allow the athlete to develop the physical and psychological skills required for competition. Some athletes may ask to play at a lower level.

Heat, cold, pressure and electrical stimulation are delivered by ice, hot packs or machines such as ultra sounds.

They are used to break down pain, muscle spasm, increase blood flow.

Heat or cold is dependent on the type of injury.

Glue in figure 11.57 Outcomes 2 pg:451

What is heat and cold used for? What are the bodies response to heat

and cold? Complete Inquiry Activities ‘Use of Heat

and Cold’ and ‘Rehabilitation of Sports injury’ pg: 451 Outcomes 2

Practical Application – Rehabilitation program pg: 339 PDHPE Application and Inquiry is set out in a more structured way.