The ultimate goal of rehabilitation of an injured athlete is the restoration of function to the greatest possible degree in the shortest possible period of time. This will allow the athlete to safely and quickly return to athletic competition. The safe and successful return of an athlete to his or her pre-injury level of performance remains the desired outcome of Burnwall Physical Therapy.

Unlike conventional rehabilitation, athletic rehabilitation requires not only the complete restoration of pre-injury performance of the injured limbs or joint, but also maintenance of peak cardiovascular conditioning of the body as a whole. Each sports activity imposes unique demands on the body. Knowledge of joint biomechanics, physiology of muscular strength and endurance, sport-specific skills and psychology of the athlete are paramount to a successful rehabilitation program.

In order to return the athlete to competition, both clinical and functional goals should be established by the athlete, physician, physical therapist, athletic trainer and the coach.

An athlete’s injury may result in a profound loss of self-worth and identity. Providing emotional support during the early days of rehabilitation helps the athlete regain a sense of competency, achievement and acceptance.

The demand to return to former levels of performance drives athletes to expect a full recovery following even the most serious injury. The pressure to enhance healing or to speed recovery may lead the athlete or provider to embrace unconventional treatment regimens. Proper rehabilitation of athletic injuries require:

1. Immediate and accurate diagnosis of the nature and severity of the injury with specific tissues involved.
2. Immediate treatment of secondary effects of inflammation.
3. Ordered sequence of rehabilitation.
4. Integration of functional activities.
5. Successful completion of sport-specific activities.

Common Sports Injuries:

• Ankle Sprain
• Shin Splints
• Plantar Fascitis
• Turf Toe
• Knee Sprain
• ACL Tear
• Meniscal Tear
• Hamstring Strain
• Patellofemoral Syndrome
• Shoulder Dislocation
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff Tear
• Tennis Elbow
• Golf Elbow
• Groin Injuries