The Recovery Process

Learn about the 5 phases of recovery

Click on a phase number to learn more.

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• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

• • Pain Relief
    Pain Relief

    Reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation are common goals in this phase of recovery. Injury protection, elevation, appropriate medications, compression, and patient education are important.

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• • Introduce Movement
    Introduce Movement

    Pain-free passive, manual therapy, active range of motion, and cardiorespiratory exercises, are indicated here. Education about pain and a positive attitude may help.

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• • Strengthening
    Strengthening

    Progressive loading of healing soft tissues, the reintroduction of low-stress neuromuscular reeducation, balance training, and basic functional activities are part of this rehabilitation phase.

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• • Functional Retraining
    Functional Retraining

    Progressing strengthening exercises, improving flexibility, and advanced balance exercises are part of phase 4. Resuming functional movement (e.g. sports movements) occurs in this phase.

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• • Recovery & Prevention
    Recovery & Prevention

    Functional movements are progressed, a controlled re-introduction to sports or challenging environments is initiated. Continued strengthening, flexibility, balance, endurance, and goal-specific training occurs during this phase. Education and future injury prevention are discussed.

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