BASICS OF INJURY
REHABILITATION
Chapter 12
Introduction
Rehabilitation of athletic injuries through
programs utilizing progressive
therapeutic exercises, is a major
responsibility of the athletic trainer.
Today athletic trainers must perform
rehabilitation programs on athletes in
the traditional setting, as well as in the
clinical setting on the non-traditional
athlete.
Therapeutic Exercise Versus
Conditioning Exercise Programs

Effects of General Inactivity &
Immobilization on the Body
– Effects on Muscle
– Effects on Joints
– Effects on Cardiorespiratory System
Major Components of a
Rehabilitation Program
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Minimizing Swelling
Controlling Pain
Restoring Range of Motion
Physiological versus Accessory
Movements
Restoring Muscular Strength,
Endurance and Power
Types of Exercises
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Isometric Exercises
Isotonic Exercises
Progressive Resistive Exercises
Concentric and Eccentric Exercises
Isokinetic Exercises
Testing Strength, Endurance & Power
Reestablishing Proprioception
Rehab of a ligament
•
assess degree of injury
•
immobilize joint (all ankles, shoulders, wrists, etc.)
For first 48 hours
•
place injured ligament in shortened position in
order to heal as close to pre-stretched length as
possible (mid-range of joint)
•
controlled range of motion for healing to occur
along the lines of stress (pain free range of motion
exercises)
•
controlled strengthening exercises (need to move
out of mid range to stress inert and contractile t
tissue)
Rehab of Strains
(must be pain free)
•PIER
•assess degree of injury
•gradual increase in stretching of injured muscle
(must be pain free)
•gradual increase in strengthening of injured muscle
(isometric, isokinetic, isotonic)
•gradual return to activity - sport specific exercises
•proprioceptive exercise
•maintain CV fitness
•maintain joint above and below, opposite limb and
rest of body
Treatment for Tendonitis
•
Rest, PIER
•
find cause and make appropriate adjustments
•
recognise signs and symptoms early to prevent
condition from worsening
•
gradual stretch and strength
•
must do eccentric loading for complete recovery
•
sport specific activity and gradual return to sport
Treatment for Contusions
•
PIER
•
restricted movement
•
treat as strain after acute phase
Developing a Rehab Plan
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Exercise Phases
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Controlling Mobility during Rehabilitation
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Adhering to a Rehabilitation Program
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Criteria for Full Return to Activity
Additional Approaches
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Open versus Closed Kinetic Chain
Exercise
Aquatic Exercise
PNF Techniques and Patterns
Joint Mobilization and Traction
Mobilization Techniques
Summary
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Athletic Trainers use of Rehabilitation
Effects of Inactivity & Immobilization
Major Components of a Rehab Program
Developing a Rehabilitation Plan
Additional/Unusual Approaches to
Rehabilitation and Uses of Therapeutic
Exercises