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Return to Sports

Returning to sport is a highly individualized process that requires a structured, data-driven approach. The transition from post-operative rehabilitation to full athletic participation involves progressive milestones in range of motion, neuromuscular control, strength symmetry, and sport-specific function.

We emphasize criterion-based progression rather than arbitrary timelines. Functional testing, motion analysis, and validated performance metrics guide the decision-making process to ensure tissue integrity, mechanical readiness, and psychological confidence before clearance. Collaboration between surgeon, physiotherapist, athletic therapist, and strength coach ensures that every phase of recovery aligns with the unique demands of the athlete’s discipline.

The ultimate objective is not simply to return to play, but to return to performance, with resilience against reinjury and the capacity for continued progression.

These are our rehab protocols:

Nutrition

Nutritional optimization plays a central role in surgical recovery, tissue regeneration, and overall metabolic health. Adequate caloric intake, with an emphasis on high-quality protein and anti-inflammatory micronutrients, supports collagen synthesis, bone remodeling, and immune function.

For athletes, nutrition is not only a recovery tool but also a performance variable. Integrating sports nutrition principles into post-operative care maximizes adaptation and accelerates return to full function.

Evidence indicates that deficiencies in vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential amino acids can delay musculoskeletal healing. Therefore, individualized nutritional strategies may include:

Increased protein distribution throughout the day to stimulate muscle protein synthesis
Micronutrient optimization for calcium, vitamin D, and iron
Omega-3 supplementation to modulate inflammation
Controlled carbohydrate intake to maintain glycemic stability during reduced activity

Sleep

Sleep is a biological necessity for cellular recovery and neurocognitive function. During slow-wave and REM sleep, critical physiological processes occur: growth hormone secretion peaks, protein synthesis accelerates, and synaptic plasticity enhances motor learning.

Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with impaired wound healing, increased pain sensitivity, reduced reaction time, and diminished cognitive focus, all of which can hinder recovery.

We encourage structured sleep hygiene protocols, including:

Incorporating sleep monitoring and subjective recovery assessments allows for objective evaluation of rest quality and guides necessary adjustments in training or rehabilitation intensity.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is a cornerstone of long-term health and recovery, encompassing more than just athletic performance. Structured physical activity enhances cardiovascular health, maintains muscle mass, promotes joint stability, and supports metabolic function — all of which are critical during and after the recovery process.

We approach fitness through a holistic lens, emphasizing functional movement patterns, core stability, balance, and flexibility. Even when specific injuries limit certain activities, targeted conditioning of uninvolved muscle groups preserves overall fitness and accelerates rehabilitation outcomes.

Key components include:

Strength and resistance training: Safely maintaining or rebuilding muscle mass to support joint protection and functional independence.
Cardiorespiratory conditioning: Low-impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, or rowing to preserve endurance and cardiovascular health without compromising recovery.
Mobility and flexibility: Dynamic stretching and joint-mobility work to prevent stiffness, maintain range of motion, and reduce compensatory movement patterns.
Neuromuscular control and balance: Proprioceptive exercises to improve coordination, reduce fall risk, and support long-term musculoskeletal integrity.