When an injured athlete comes to physical therapy, the question that's always on their mind is 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔?!
But even if an athlete is feeling better, heading back to the field or court too soon can lead to re-injury and more time on the sidelines
Before a player heads back to play, we work with them to perform 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 - a series of tests that determine if someone is ready to SAFELY get back to their sport.
Hop testing:
This test allows for the testing of single strength, stability, and plyometric ability. The average distance from the involved leg is compared to the involved leg and based on difference. Certain percentages are required for certain activities. Research varies but to be certain 95% would be a good goal to reach in order to be cleared for full return to sport. While quantity matters quality also matters and is where a PT's help become even more important.
Single leg Rise test:
This test is a great marker for strength and endurance of a single leg. You should be able to compare side to side to see if there are still deficits. This test is great for someone who has already hit the the milestone of 95% quad strength and other muscle groups. While quantity matters, quality also matters and is where a PT's help become even more important. Normative values for age and sex can be found online as well. While quantity matters, quality also matters and is where a PT's help become even more important. Normative values for age and sex can be found online as well.
Y balance test:
This test is a great marker for stability and control of an athlete. The average scores are taken from the involved leg and compared to the uninvolved leg. This is great for someone looking to be cleared for return to sport as it will allow the athletes control to be test from the ankle all the way up to the trunk.