Discharge and Return to Sport: Case Studies
Presented by Phil Plisky
Nonfinancial: Phil Plisky has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Can they return to play? When should they stop rehabilitation? These are simple questions that we get daily in our practice. Yet, while the questions are simple, the decisions and aftermath are not. Return-to-sport and discharge decisions have a lasting impact on each patient's life. These decisions require synthesizing numerous factors and considerations. The tests to perform, passing criteria, and performance of your patient all play a role in the final decision, but the process does not stop there. It is still not always black-and-white, and even when it is, communicating the findings to your patient is not easy. This course will utilize a case study approach to take you step by step through the return-to-sport process. We need to be confident when making the decision to return to sport, and we need to be able to give our patient that same confidence and understanding. This course will take the guesswork, uncertainty, and stress out of making the return-to-sport and discharge decision. This course is part of a four-course series and can be completed as an introduction or capstone to the other three courses. This course is for physical therapists, athletic trainers, and occupational therapists.
Meet your instructor
Phil Plisky
Dr. Phil Plisky is a professor in the University of Evansville’s Doctor of Physical Therapy and PhD in Health Professions Education programs. He is the host of the Medbridge Rehab and Performance Lab podcast and founder of the Coaches Club at
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Discharge Testing and Return-to-Sport Decision-Making
Return-to-sport and discharge decisions can have a lasting impact on our patients’ lives. This chapter discusses principles for selecting discharge and return-to-sport tests. These principles are applied through case studies involving an older individual who wants to return to low-level activity as well as a recreational runner with low back pain.
2. Lower Body Case Studies
While lower body injuries are some of the most common, there is not consistent return-to-sport and discharge testing performed at all levels of function. This chapter examines two cases of discharge testing: a person who wants to return to pickle ball after total knee replacement, and a collegiate soccer player wanting to return to sport after ACL reconstruction.
3. Upper Body Case Studies
The upper extremity presents some unique challenges with return-to-activity testing due to the paucity of research as well as different goals for returning to function. This chapter explores cases of people with different activity level goals as well as the unique considerations of the overhead throwing athlete.
More courses in this series
Sports Performance and Injury Prevention
Phil Plisky
Discharge and Return to Sport Part 1: Know When They Are Ready
Phil Plisky
Discharge and Return to Sport Part 2: Lower Body
Phil Plisky
Discharge and Return to Sport Part 3: Upper Body
Phil Plisky
Discharge and Return to Sport: Case Studies
Phil Plisky
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