Rehabilitation and return to sports after conservative and surgical treatment of upper extremity injuries

Abstract

Return to sports after injury refers to the point in recovery after an injury or surgery when an athlete is able to participate in his sport or activity at a level similar to that before the injury or the surgery took place. No sportsman likes to be a nonparticipant watching others playing. He wants to return as early as possible to the competitive level. But this is a contentious subject with vast differences of opinion, there being no proper protocols. A huge gray zone exists regarding when to allow the sportsman to return to his sport. It is important to realize the differences between the various types of sports, and the strength and coordination required for them. Risk of reinjury is always a concern. The golden rules for prevention of injury, early diagnosis, early management, and proper scientific rehabilitation protocols need to be followed.