Return to Play decision-making

Return to Play decision-making is a careful process used to determine when an athlete who's been injured can safely resume activity. It involves evaluating their healing progress, strength, and function through medical assessments and testing. The goal is to ensure the injury has sufficiently healed to prevent further damage or re-injury. Healthcare providers consider symptoms, physical exams, and sometimes specialized tests to make an informed decision. This process helps balance the desire to return to sports with the importance of long-term health and safety, ensuring athletes are ready physically and mentally before resuming their activities.