I get this question a lot, “When can I go back to _________?”

After an injury, everyone wants to get back to doing what they love to do. The answer, as it is with many other medical questions, is “It depends”. After an evaluation and treatment session, I can start to develop a timeframe in my mind and think of several milestones that can give me a better picture. First, I reference the Movement Hierarchy Pyramid. If they are able to attain the lower levels like, range of motion and strength, then we have a clearer picture of when they can get back to sports.

Tissue healing times play a role in recovery as well. Depending on the type of tissue and amount of injury, you have to allow time for the body to heal itself. You can’t speed up healing times, unless you’re some kind of mutant. Typically, soreness after exercise goes away in 3 days. Muscle strains may take up to 3 weeks to 6 months to heal. Ligament sprains can take up to 1 year. Surgical tendon or ligament repairs can take up to 2 years. And healing times can vary based on a variety of reasons such as age, fitness level, diet, stress, and environment.

It also depends on what sport they play. The more aggressive, the longer time it will take for them to get back to doing it.

If they have a lower-body injury and want to get back to running, they have to be able to skip pain-free. Skipping is a quick test that I use to assess whether or not someone has the strength and power in their lower body to withstand the forces associated with running. If you can't skip, don't try running. For upper-body injuries, I make sure they have a full range of motion before we attempt to load the arm with weight or resistance. Full range of motion can be tested by standing up against a wall with your hips, shoulder, and head touching the wall. Then you can try and raise your arms over your head with your elbows straight. Your hand should be able to touch the wall with your arm close to your ear and your elbow straight.

There are many other landmark tests that are used in physical therapy to determine return-to-play readiness. If you are wondering if you can return to your sport or activity after an injury or surgery, contact PAR 5 Physical Therapy to get a check-up.