Return to Sport Programs and Protocols

Physio Connex offers structured and detailed rehabilitation based on the latest research in international sport and our elite sporting experience. Follow our step by step structured rehab designed to take you through all the necessary stages of return to sport. Our protocols will include stages that captures the entire rehab continuum – from the acute and painful moments right through to development of strength, resilience and performance.

Stages of Rehabilitation:

1. Acute Repair and Recovery

2. Activate and Mobilise

3. Relearn and Build Function

4. Rebuild Strength

5. Return to Training

6. Return to Play and Performance

Return to Running

Structured return to running program. Designed specific to your injury and the demands of your sport. Created in cohesion with your strength and rehabilitation program – ensuring all aspects of recovery, strength and running metres are being closely monitored and progressed at specific steps. Ensure that straight line running is appropriately ticked off before introducing acceleration and deceleration efforts, change of direction and agility drills and finally, maximal speed.

Return to Sport – ACL Protocol

ACL injury is one of the most common injuries in Australian sport. It is therefore one of most widely researched injuries and Return to Sport plans must adapt accordingly. The Physio Connex ACL protocol is based on the current evidence and utilises a return to sport framework using your strength data to pave the way forward. Incorporating VALD technology such as the ForceDecks (force plates), strength dynamometry, hop and jump tests to monitor progress and plan the next stage. Using objective data is helpful when addressing risk of reinjury and developing resilience. We also believe exposure to running is the best way to become confident in return to sport – firstly starting in controlled environments before reintroduction into team training.

Return to Sport – Shoulder Protocol

Returning to sport after a shoulder dislocation and/or reconstruction can generate many questions around risk of repeat injury, readiness and performance. The Physio Connex Shoulder Protocol has been developed in conjunction with the latest evidence, surgical protocols and AIS guidelines. It utilises VALD technology such as the ForceDecks (force plates), strength dynamometry and stability tests to help plan your rehabilitation. Each stage has specific strength markers to tick off before progressing to the next step. If you play a contact sport – a Return to Contact protocol is also integrated.

Return to Contact

We understand that Return to Contact is a large aspect of rehabilitation whether a shoulder, knee or another any other injury. Designed in conjunction with your strength program and/or other Physio Connex protocols, progression through the 6-step Return to Contact drills is guided by both strength data and psychological readiness. Contact sessions are adapted depending on the sport you play, the level of experience and competition you play.

Return to Kicking

Kicking is a major part of Australian field-based sports and must be appropriately integrated into rehabilitation. Whether it is a hamstring, knee or any other injury, the Return to Kicking protocol is designed to work in cohesion with your running and strength program. Each stage will be progressed based on your strength and jump data, progressing through field-based kicks, building on kick length from static and running positions, right through to goal kicking.

Get in touch with our friendly team today and book an appointment to get you returning to sport in the best condition possible!