Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries

Rehabilitation is, by definition, the restoration of optimal form and function for an athlete. In this edition in the <b>Encyclopedia</b> series, the editor and contributors advocate that rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible after the injurty occurs, alongside therapeutic measures such as anti-inflammatories and other pain killing agents. This might also begin before, or immediately after, surgery.<br /> <p>The rehabilitative process is therefore managed by a multi-disciplinary team, including physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, and athletic trainers, amongst others.<br /> </p> <p>This book considers the three phases of rehabilitation: pain relief, protection of the affected area and limitation of tissue damage; limitation of impairment and recovery of flexibility, strength, endurance, balance and co-ordination; and finally the start of conditioning to return to training and competition.</p>