The physiotherapists at MozgásKlinika Retek utca, in Budapest’s 2nd district, list sport-related musculoskeletal complaints and sports injuries among their areas of interest. The question athletes ask most often is: when can I train again? There is no calendar answer, but there is a system.
Why is it not enough that it no longer hurts?
In the MozgásPiramis® approach, easing the pain is the first level, not the finish line. Sport means more load than everyday movement, so before you return, range of motion, muscle strength, stability and movement control all need to reach the right level. These are the goals of the second, third and fourth levels of the pyramid; the fifth is the return to sporting load itself.
How does treatment start?
With a first assessment. The physiotherapist talks through how the injury happened and your earlier injuries, looks at your findings, examines you and also assesses how much load your body can take at the moment. Treatment starts in the same session.
What does gradual loading mean?
According to the clinic, load is increased carefully and gradually so that you can move towards your goals safely. Learning safe movement patterns comes first, followed by a gradual increase in the load tolerance of muscles and joints.
The individual plan may include functional, plyometric and agility exercises. Which of these come up, and when, depends on your condition and on the demands of your sport.
What is the role of Medical Fitness?
Medical Fitness is a movement programme led by a professional that forms a bridge between rehabilitation and regular exercise. According to the clinic it develops load tolerance by strengthening the deep muscles and reduces the risk of re-injury. The article on Medical Fitness describes it in detail.
Who decides about the return?
You do, together with your physiotherapist and, where needed, your doctor. The decision rests on whether your body is functionally ready for the load of your sport, not on the number of weeks that have passed. Nobody can promise a date or a result in advance.
Where can you find more?
The active part of the work is described on the physiotherapy page, and the therapists are introduced on the team page. Sport-specific physiotherapy has a page in Hungarian only: sportspecifikus gyógytorna.
