Whether your goal is returning to smashing your training goals as a weekend warrior or returning to competitive level sport and performance, the return to sport process is a crucial part of your rehabilitation.
After return to run criteria has been achieved as a part of land-based strength rehabilitation and you are ready to begin running again, it is crucial to make a gradual transition and not try to restart from the levels you were pre-injury.
Adequate attention to detail and due diligence must be utilised to re-expose the body to load and volume, to slowly build its capacity back to pre-injury levels. With this progressive approach, there is a high chance of successful return to sport and significant risk reduction of symptoms returning with activity or even worse, re-injury.
Stages of rehab running:
Straight line running
Intro to change of direction (COD)
Anticipated COD
Unanticipated COD – end stage competitive