What is the goal of rehabilitation in sports medicine?

The goal of rehabilitation in sports medicine is to restore the athlete to their pre-injury level of physical fitness. This process involves a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical aspects of recovery, such as strength, flexibility, and endurance, but also aims to ensure the individual can safely return to their sport at the same performance level they had before the injury occurred.

Effective rehabilitation takes into account physiological healing and functional recovery, meaning that therapists design programs that gradually increase intensity and complexity tailored to the athlete's specific needs. This includes not just physical exercises, but also monitoring and re-evaluation to ensure that the athlete’s return to their sport is sustainable and reduces the risk of re-injury.

While managing pain, developing new training techniques, and enhancing mental resilience are important aspects of overall athlete management, they serve as supplementary components that support the primary aim of restoring the pre-injury fitness level.