When is it Safe to Return to Sports After an Injury?

Determining the criteria for an injured athlete's return to competition can be a confusing scenario when all the individuals involved are brought in.

These may include the athlete, parents, guardians, coaches, family physician, the athletic trainer, and others.

Returning too soon can increase your risk of re-injury or developing a chronic problem that will lead to a longer recovery.

Waiting too long, however, can lead to unnecessary deconditioning. 

It must be understood that the primary responsibility is to cause no harm to the athlete, while enabling him or her to participate at the highest level possible. A pedometer senses your body motion and counts your footsteps. This count is converted into distance by knowing the length of your usual stride. Wearing a pedometer and recording your daily steps and distance is a great motivating tool