When Does Rehabilitation End vs. When Does Performance Start?
Managing ACL rehabilitation is a collaborative process involving members of a multidisciplinary team (e.g., medical, performance, and technical staff) at different stages to optimize the return to play (RTP) process. Although every rehab setting varies in size and available expertise, it is essential to clearly define roles and responsibilities, entry points, and exit points between team members.
Throughout rehabilitation, the physiotherapist’s role is to initiate rehab, manage pain, restore function, mobility, strength, and establish expectations based on different criteria, goals, and timeframes. But when does rehabilitation end, and when does performance start?
Rehabilitation is often shared in a collaboration between physiotherapists and strength and conditioning staff. It is important to define roles and responsibilities that reflect key performance indicators (KPIs) of the rehabilitation to avoid overloading the player and ensure that all rehabilitation components are met. In the Aspetar ACL protocol, which can be downloaded for free on the Aspetar website, you can find different responsibilities in our interdisciplinary approach. However, the Aspetar setup may not be exactly like yours.
I would love to hear how you are sharing rehabilitation in your club or clinic.
If you need any supervision or mentoring regarding ACL rehabilitation, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to collaborate on any projects, discuss topics related to our field, present at your workplace, or assist with your rehabilitation.
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