Physical Therapy Guide to Return to Agility After Lower Extremity Injury | FPF Show E:81
In today's episode we go over a Physical Therapy Guide to Return to Agility After Lower Extremity Injury | FPF Show E:81
As physical therapists, we all know that returning athletes to their pre-injury level of performance can be a challenging and complex process. However, one of the most critical aspects of rehabilitating an athlete with lower extremity injuries is implementing a smart return to agility program. Change of direction and agility training is a cornerstone to physical therapy return to sport programs.
Agility drills are a fundamental component of most court and field sports and require a significant amount of force production and absorption through the lower extremities. As such, it is essential to have a well-designed return to agility program that incorporates a gradual increase in intensity and volume while addressing any deficits in strength, mobility, and neuromuscular control.
The agility program should focus on progressively increasing the demands placed on the lower extremities. This will involve drills and exercises that help athletes progress back to running, sprinting and jumping in their sport.
Another critical component of a smart return to agility programs is monitoring the athlete's progress closely. This may involve regularly assessing for changes in range of motion or swelling as well as monitoring any signs of pain, excessive muscular soreness or discomfort. If any issues arise, adjustments should be made to the program to address them quickly and effectively.
Check out the video below to see exactly how I like to progress my athletes back to agility training after lower extremity injury:
In conclusion, a smart return to agility program is essential for rehabilitating athletes with lower extremity injuries back to sport. By incorporating a gradual increase in intensity and volume, addressing any deficits in strength, mobility, and stability, and monitoring the athlete's progress closely, we can help ensure that safe and successful return to sport.
Changing my direction constantly...
- Dan Pope DPT, OCS, CSCS
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Show Notes / Relevant Articles:
- FPF Mini Course - 7 Reasons Why Injuries Happen in the Gym and What to do About it
- Physical Therapy Guide to Return to Run Programs After Lower Extremity Injury | FPF Show E:78
- Physical Therapy Guide to Return to Sprinting Programs After Lower Extremity Injury | FPF Show E:79
- Physical Therapy Guide to Return to Plyometrics After Lower Extremity Injury | FPF Show E:80
- A, B and C Sprint Mechanic Drills | Return to Run | Physical Therapy Exercises
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Thank you!
Dan Pope DPT, OCS, CSCS
References:
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