The four stages
Each stage has an exit criterion, which is what keeps a plan honest.
- Settle: reduce irritation without losing conditioning entirely
- Restore: regain range, control and baseline strength
- Build: progressive loading toward the demands of the sport
- Return: criteria-based testing against the uninjured side and the sport's demands
Where injections and regenerative options fit
They are adjuncts to loading, not replacements for it. A tendon that hurts less but has not been reloaded is still a tendon that will fail under sport demands, which is why any injection plan should be paired with a rehabilitation programme.
Return-to-play decisions
Made against strength, control and sport-specific testing rather than how long it has been. Ask what criteria you have to meet, and what happens if you do not meet them on schedule.
Questions people ask about this
- How soon can I return after a soft-tissue injury?
- It depends on the tissue and the sport, and it should be decided on testing criteria rather than a fixed number of weeks.
- Will an injection get me back faster?
- It may reduce pain, but pain relief without reloading leaves the tissue underprepared. Injections are best considered alongside a rehabilitation plan, not instead of one.
- Should I keep training through pain?
- Modified loading is often appropriate; training through worsening or sharp pain is not. That distinction is worth working out with a clinician rather than alone.
Where to go next
Prefer to talk it through? Call 214-718-1068 or email ac@dallasregenerativellc.com.