Indicators of readiness for return to play -
The mobility of the injured site must be complete and pain free. For an MCL tear, to test this we can perform a variety of tests and excersises. Some of the tests can include MRI scans and X-ray's to assess the extent to which the ligament has healed. Some excersises include knee stabilisation, wall squat, step up and resisted terminal knee extension. (Pictured to the right). This is to test the mobility of your knee and also if there is any persisting pain. Your doctor will also perform a valgus and varus tests, moving your leg side to side, if there is no pain and full degree of movement it can indicate the athlete is ready to compete. |
Monitoring progress -
A fitness test could be conducted to determine an athletes readiness. Pre-test and post-test results can help the coach and/or doctor make a decision on a player's present fitness without risking further injury. To do this we can use video footage to examine skill and technique, physical testing and comparison to pre injury results, personal evaluation sheets etc. |
Psychological readiness -
Injuries can make the athlete anxious and nervous about returning to play. Psychological readiness is just as important as being physiologically ready. Psychological reediness can be tested through observation of behaviour and through discussion with the athlete. Athletes should have the confidence to play in order to return to play. Both internal and external factors can contribute to an athlete deciding whether to return to play. Some internal include fear of loss of position or getting moved down a grade, sense of letting down self/family/team. Some external include sponsorship, media pressure, expectation from others. To overcome this, athletes need to work with their coaches and doctors, testing anxiety etc to make sure the athlete is in the right mindset to be able to compete. |
Specific warm-up and procedures -
Specific warm up is needed for the injured athlete as it prepares the area for the demands in the game or event and also helps to prevent further injury. It helps by increasing body temperature and the body's muscle temperature. Some examples of good warm up stretches for MCL tear patients include (these should be done after a light jog or run): Hamstring stretch: While sitting at the edge of a chair, straighten one leg in front of the body with the heel on the floor reaching forward grabbing your foot. Heel slide knee extension: Lying on your back, with one knee bent and other knee down. Slowly slide the heel away from your body so both legs are parallel. Hold for 5-10 seconds, making sure you repeat on each leg. |
Return to play policies and procedures -
Different sports have different return to play policies and procedures. The well-being of the athlete is the central consideration. It is important to check with coaches and sport officials to see if those with MCL tears, especially returning to sports such as soccer, football or netball that are more susceptible to MCL tears whether there is policies in place for injured players returning to game. |
Ethical considerations -
Pressure to participate, use of painkillers, pressure from sponsors and finical difficulties are just some of an athlete ethical considerations when making the decision to return to play. If an athlete decides to return to play before they are ready, they risk even further damage and injury which can ultimately leave them out of the game for an even longer time. An existing injury can be masked by the use of painkillers and a player can return to play without knowing the complications and injury themselves more. It is very important to consider these implications before returning to play. |