Return to Sports: Navigating the Path to Readiness
Return to Sports: Navigating the Path to Readiness
Welcome to another deep dive inspired by Six to Eight Weeks, where we bring expert insights
from the world of sports medicine. This week, Dr. Feeley and Danny Keller, a seasoned physical
therapist, tackle the critical topic of returning to sports after injury. Whether it’s skiing,
basketball, or soccer, bridging the gap between “almost ready” and “fully ready” can be daunting.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Road to Readiness
Danny’s extensive experience spans work with high school, collegiate, and recreational athletes.
At UCSF and Cal Berkeley, his focus is on ensuring athletes return to sports as quickly and
safely as possible. “Timelines are important,” Danny explains, “but the real focus is safety. We
don’t want athletes ending back up in the training room.”
Dr. Feeley highlights the importance of the PT’s expertise in this process: “My job is surgery.
Their expertise is rehabilitation, recovery, and optimizing performance afterward.”
The Assessment Process
Returning to sports isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Danny outlines key elements of assessing
readiness:
• Strength: Using tools like isometric dynamometers, Danny measures the force athletes
can exert. “We’re looking for 90% symmetry between limbs as one of the benchmarks,”
he notes.
• Landing Mechanics: For sports that involve running, cutting, or jumping, proper landing
mechanics are crucial to avoid overloading the limb.
• Psychological Readiness: “We’re physical therapists, but readiness is beyond the
physical,” Danny says. Questionnaires and conversations help gauge an athlete’s
confidence and mental preparedness.
• Range of Motion: Full mobility—whether in the knee, ankle, or hip—is essential to
ensure strength and motion translate effectively on the field or court.
Winter Sports: Unique Considerations
With skiing and snowboarding season underway, Danny shares specific advice for these high-
demand sports:
1. Understand Skill Levels: “There’s a difference between greens and blues at Boreal
versus the backcountry at Kirkwood,” Danny explains. Tailoring rehab to an athlete’s
goals is key.
2. Start Small: “Begin with greens and blues to rebuild confidence and adapt to the
environment.”
3. Adapt to Conditions: Weather and snow quality play a significant role. “Slushy
conditions increase the risk of secondary injury. Sometimes the last run of the day should
come earlier than planned.”
Overcoming Mental Barriers
For many athletes, returning to sports is more a mental hurdle than a physical one. Danny recalls
a European study showing most skiers wait over a year after ACL reconstruction to return. “It’s
not just about strength,” he says. “Confidence plays a huge role, especially if the injury occurred
during the sport.”
When athletes feel unsure, Danny’s advice is simple: “Ask yourself how important it is to go
back right now. We can always rebuild confidence outside the sport and return when you’re truly
ready.”
Slowing Down Overeager Athletes
Not all challenges come from hesitation—some athletes want to rush back too quickly. Danny
cautions against this: “We know that re-injury rates drop significantly after ten months of
recovery. The tissue needs time to heal, even if you feel good.” Evidence-based discussions
about healing timelines and risk can help athletes understand the importance of patience.
Final Takeaways
Returning to sports is multifactorial. Danny emphasizes, “You might feel great and have perfect
range of motion, but if strength, coordination, and explosiveness aren’t there, you’re not ready.”
For winter sports enthusiasts or athletes in other fields, readiness is about more than just physical
benchmarks. It’s about ensuring the body, mind, and skills align. As Danny puts it, “Rushing
doesn’t lead to better outcomes. Timelines exist for a reason—to benefit the athlete.”
For more perspectives on sports medicine, subscribe to Six to Eight Weeks on Spotify, Apple
Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And stay tuned for more expert insights from Danny and Dr.
Feeley.