Return to practice or play is usually determined by a multi-disciplinary team, taking all factors into account. These guidelines depends on a number of factors, including, how long did the rehabilitation period last, which will indicate level of deconditioning. The players psychological state of mind during the injury and during rehabilitation and if the player was in rehabilitation for longer than 8 weeks, then the level and intensity of training should be commence at pre-season stage. Another factor to be taken into account is how far into the season will the player join the team. If the season is almost over, then it is suggested that the player sit out till the next pre-season training.
- Different parameters of fitness testing will differ from sport to sport, e.g. a gymnast will focus on greater flexibility and strength and agility, whereas a soccer player will focus on aerobic, anaerobic, agility and speed
- A comprehensive fitness testing programme is required and compared to pre-season testing results
- The basic testing parameters would be flexibility, aerobic, anaerobic, speed, agility and muscular strength and endurance, as related to the hip injury
- Once a score of 95% of pre-injury levels are achieved, the player is ready to go back to practice
- During the first two weeks of practice, the rehabbed player should only train at an intensity of 50% of the teams intensity, then following that 60% , 70% and finally join the team at same intensity, then the player would be ready for match play