South Edmonton Location
Return-to-sport program in Edmonton
A structured final block of rehabilitation at our southeast Edmonton clinic for athletes after ACL and other knee injuries, with strength, hop and agility testing at set points. The decision to return to sport is based on measured criteria, not on how you feel.
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What the return-to-sport program is
Most people come out of injury rehabilitation with less pain and better range, but not with the strength, power and confidence their sport needs. Going back at that point is when re-injury happens. The return-to-sport program at Vertex is the final stage of rehabilitation: a structured block of strength, agility and sport-specific work, with testing at set points, so the decision to return is based on measured criteria rather than on how you feel that week. It follows ACL and other knee injuries, ankle sprains, hamstring and groin strains, shoulder injuries and concussion.
How the program is structured
It starts with testing: strength on both sides, hop and jump tests where relevant, agility and change of direction, and a sport-specific movement screen. The gaps between the injured side and the other side, and between where you are and what your sport demands, set the program.
From there the work is progressive: strength first, then power and speed, then unpredictable, reactive movement, then sport drills at increasing intensity. Testing is repeated at each stage. You move on when you pass, not when a date arrives.
What the criteria look like
For concussion the criteria are different and follow the graded return-to-sport steps, in coordination with your physician.
- Strength within roughly ten percent of the uninjured side on the relevant tests
- Hop and jump tests within a similar margin, with good landing control
- No pain or swelling after high-intensity sessions
- Sport-specific drills at full intensity without hesitation
- Confidence, measured with a short questionnaire, not just assumed
Who it is for
Anyone going back to a sport that involves running, cutting, jumping, contact or overhead work after an injury that kept them out for more than a few weeks. It is used most after ACL reconstruction and other knee surgery, recurrent ankle sprains, hamstring and groin strains, shoulder dislocations and concussion.
Sessions can be one-on-one with the physiotherapist or a mix of supervised sessions and a written program you do at a gym, depending on how much support you need and want.
Questions people ask
How long does it take?
It depends on the injury and where you start. After ACL reconstruction the program often runs from month four to month nine or beyond; after an ankle sprain it may be three to six weeks. Testing, not a schedule, sets the pace.
My pain is gone. Why can't I just go back?
Because pain resolves well before strength and control do. Re-injury rates are much higher in people who return before meeting strength and hop-test criteria, particularly after knee ligament injuries.
Can I do the program if I had surgery elsewhere?
Yes. Bring your surgeon’s protocol and any notes from previous rehabilitation, and the program is built to fit within them.
Is it only for competitive athletes?
No. Recreational players are at least as likely to be re-injured, often because their return is less supervised. The program scales to the sport and the level you play at.
Is it covered by benefits?
Yes, as physiotherapy. Most extended health plans cover it; if the original injury was a work or motor vehicle injury, WCB or Section B may cover the return-to-sport stage as part of the claim.
Do you coordinate with my coach?
With your permission, yes. Coaches generally welcome clear criteria and a staged plan, because it takes the guesswork out of when to put you back in.
Book an assessment
Vertex Physiotherapy is at 6958 76 Ave NW #205, Edmonton, AB T6B 2R2. Call (825) 525-2852 or book online. No referral is needed. Direct billing to most extended health plans, WCB and Section B claims.