The Recovery Process

Click on a step to learn more.

  • 1

  • 2

  • 3

  • 4

  • 5

    • Pain Relief

      Reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation are common goals in this phase of recovery. Injury protection, elevation, appropriate medications, compression, and patient education are important.

    • Introduce Movement

      Pain-free passive, manual therapy, active range of motion, and cardiorespiratory exercises, are indicated here. Education about pain and a positive attitude may help.

    • Strengthening

      Progressive loading of healing soft tissues, the reintroduction of low-stress neuromuscular reeducation, balance training, and basic functional activities are part of this rehabilitation phase.

    • Functional Retraining

      Progressing strengthening exercises, improving flexibility, and advanced balance exercises are part of phase 4. Resuming functional movement (e.g. sports movements) occurs in this phase.

    • Recovery & Prevention

      Functional movements are progressed, a controlled re-introduction to sports or challenging environments is initiated. Continued strengthening, flexibility, balance, endurance, and goal-specific training occurs during this phase. Education and future injury prevention are discussed.