Indicators of readiness to play
athletes returning from a high lateral ankle sprain should be put through sports specific fitness tests. preventative taping should be worn with excessive stretching and strengthening during the return to play process. Effective treatment in rehabiitation ensures that the healing process has resulted in improvement
key areas:
examples for rugby league player
elasticity- some plyometric/ explosive exercises - jumping, hoping, skipping and bounding
strength- use a resistance band and use the range of motion of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion 10-20 reps, step-ups on box and heel raises
and strength work by jogging on it, and how it goes in contact tackles
mobility- should have full movement - dodging between cones, going side to side, forward and back, working on change of direction
balance- balance on one leg then advance it by balancing on a half swiss ball, then try and close your eyes
The injury should be PAIN FREE during both light exercises and strenuous work
athletes returning from a high lateral ankle sprain should be put through sports specific fitness tests. preventative taping should be worn with excessive stretching and strengthening during the return to play process. Effective treatment in rehabiitation ensures that the healing process has resulted in improvement
key areas:
examples for rugby league player
elasticity- some plyometric/ explosive exercises - jumping, hoping, skipping and bounding
strength- use a resistance band and use the range of motion of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion 10-20 reps, step-ups on box and heel raises
and strength work by jogging on it, and how it goes in contact tackles
mobility- should have full movement - dodging between cones, going side to side, forward and back, working on change of direction
balance- balance on one leg then advance it by balancing on a half swiss ball, then try and close your eyes
The injury should be PAIN FREE during both light exercises and strenuous work
monitoring progress ( pre-test and post- test)
The physical condition of the athlete should be monitored by a qualified sports doctor. when the athlete returns to play
these might include: visual observation, discussions between athlete and coach/ sports doctor. the ankle should be taped up to give extra support
Eg: the athlete will video their ongoing test and compare the pre test to post test to view if improvement has occurred
the athlete should continue to follow the advice/feedback from coaches and sport doctors until recovery is complete and performance is back to pre-injury levels.
psychological readiness
the athlete might feel anxious going back on the field, talk to coaches and other players and a psychologist if needed to help overcome that feeling.
specific warm- up and procedures
the ankle should be taped up to ensure extra support
important to warm the ankle and surrounding leg muscles thoroughly in the warm up
eg: dynamic lounges, quick feet on the line, dodging cones,change direction steps and explosive runs
ethical consideration
an athlete may feel pressure to return to play as a fear of letting their team mates down if they dont participate
the league player will talk to team mates about returning time and will insure that the athlete is fully injury free
painkillers should not be used in the return to play process as further damage to the injury may occur due to the painkillers masking the body's natural response