Keith J. Cronin, DPT, CSCS

Restoring full range of motion to a joint should be achieved early in physical therapy as playing sports with restricted range of motion increases injury risk and negatively effects athletic performance.

Because the growth plates at the end of the major bones in a child's arms and legs are open, their muscles and bones are still developing, and because their hormone levels aren't the same as adults, intense strength or resistance training for youth athletes is inappropriate before skeletal maturity.

Tears to the medial meniscus require surgical repair, but the repaired meniscus can easily be torn with only small amounts of pressure, so allowing it to fully heal after surgery before walking is critical for a full recovery.

Finding the optimal balance between mobility and stability is crucial during the rehabilitation process.   Restoring normal joint mobility and stability before an athlete returns to play is important for performance and in reducing the risk of future injury. 

Following a sports injury, athletes, parents, and coaches usually look to the medical professionals involved in an athlete's care to decide when an athlete can return to play, and how much residual pain is acceptable. Here's how a physical therapist evaluates pain over the course of an athlete's treatment and recovery.