It happens to every athlete — a small or large injury takes us out of the activity we love. Often we want to skip steps and return to play before we are ready. It’s important that we follow these steps:
- Finish your rehab: Complete your therapeutic exercise program to normalize tissue tolerance, restore joint mobility, improve range of motion, normalize motor patterns and coordinate basic movements. This is the foundation of therapeutic exercise that can only be done correctly by a physical therapist. We can quickly and safely help you return to practice.
- Return to practice: Progress to endurance, strength, power and speed training, with an emphasis on the motions your sport demands. Guided by evidence, we can develop a customized return to practice/play program that takes into account your injury, your impairments, your sport and level of participation. A standard protocol may work for some people, but you deserve a customized program to help you quickly and safely return to play. The most common injury risk for sport is a previous injury — don’t skip steps.
- Return to Play (Well): The ultimate goal is to be better than you were prior to injury, to not only avoid reinjury, but to improve your performance level. We can assist with the transition back to participation, working with your athletic trainer or coach for a return to play schedule that ensures a return to play well.
Our Return to Play Programs are offered in partnership with PTMotionLab and are available at our Magnolia, First Hill and Fremont clinics in Seattle, WA and also in our Edmonds, WA clinic.
All services are self-pay and collected at the time of service. Visit the PTMotionLab website to schedule.
frequently asked questions
What is return-to-play rehabilitation, and why is it important?
Return-to-play rehabilitation is a structured, criteria-based process that ensures athletes safely resume sport after injury or surgery. Board-certified sports physical therapists (SCS) assess strength, mobility, neuromuscular control, and sport-specific demands to reduce reinjury risk and optimize performance upon return.
How do sports-certified physical therapists determine readiness to return to play?
Sports-certified physical therapists use objective testing, functional assessments, and sport-specific movement analysis to evaluate readiness. Criteria may include strength symmetry, dynamic stability, and performance metrics. This evidence-based approach ensures athletes meet safe benchmarks before returning to competition.
How long does return-to-play rehabilitation take?
Timelines vary based on injury type, surgical intervention, and individual recovery. Return-to-play may range from weeks to several months and is guided by functional milestones rather than time alone. Consistent physical therapy with a sports-certified clinician supports safe progression and optimal performance outcomes.