Rehabilitation including sport-specific functional progression for the competitive athlete

Abstract Rehabilitation of the injured athlete typically follows a pre-determined protocol utilizing clinic-based therapy techniques for the restoration of range of motion, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance. While these techniques have proven to be successful in returning athletes back to activity, they often do not include exercises and activities related to the athlete's sport. The combination of clinic-based and sport-specific functional techniques will provide an individualized, sport-specific rehabilitation protocol for the athlete. This article serves three purposes for athletic therapists who are involved with the rehabilitation of competitive athletes. First, a discussion of clinic-based rehabilitation explores several areas to consider in the design of a protocol. Next, sport-specific functional exercises, progressions, and assessments are presented. Lastly, a rehabilitation protocol for a soccer forward illustrates the use of sport-specific exercises for his or her return to competitive activity.