Injury management: Developing a therapeutic exercise program

Abstract

The ultimate goal of therapeutic exercise is to return the injured sport participant to full activity, pain-free, and fully functional. To achieve this target, attention must focus on controlling inflammation and regarding normal joint range of motion, flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, coordination and power. Modern rehabilitation program emphasis teamwork and proper rehabilitation planning, and the rehabilitation team has to be led by a trained sports physiotherapist, with an understanding of the protocols and interventions required at various stages. An individualized therapeutic exercise program is developed and maintained through continual identification of the needs and treatment goals of the patient. To address the problem list and return the individual to participation without risk of reinjury, four phases of rehabilitation comprise the therapeutic exercise program. These are controlling inflammation, restoration of motion, developing muscular strength, power, and endurance and return to sport activity.