Return to play
For a surfer to return to play from a Second Degree Ankle Sprain, they should be able to successfully complete these guidelines which include;
- Indications of readiness to surf: This refers to the degree of mobility around the injured ankle, this needs to be complete as well as the injured ankle being relatively pain free to allow full usage of the ankle with out injuring it. This needs to be complete before returning to surfing. This involves being pain free, having mobility, completing basic skills tests and ability to complete skills and drills. When ever s surfer returns from injury they should put themselves through specific tests that relate to surfing to prove readiness, this can involve jumping, dodging and agility tests. this will test; -
- Elasticity: which is new tissue that has been lengthened and stretched.
- Strength: which is new tissue that is string and which is able to support full body when experiencing stressful movements.
- Mobility: which is when the ankle has gained full movement, particularly in terms of agility.
- Pain free: The injury is pain free during light exercise.
- Balance: the surfer is able to balance their body on the injured side.
Through these tests, this will determine whether or not the surfer will be ready to return to play.
- Monitoring progress refers to the physical condition of the an athlete after their injury, having a pre-test and post-test. This is relevant for a surfer returning to play, they will need to meet a certain criteria or complete a fitness test specifically aimed for surfing, for example 'Burpees'. Due to it testing a range of strengths but also testing your fitness. The burpee is a full body exercise is performed in four basic movements
Begin in a standing position.
- psychological readiness and Ethical considerations: This is referred to psychological readiness by having confidence and a positive outlook to prevent the Ankle injury reoccurring. This is important for a surfer, as they may feel pressured from other competitors (if competing) or from sponsors. Some surfers may feel pressured to return to play due to being scared of being dropped by their sponsor or feeling as if you are falling behind the other competitors. However, the surfer may also be anxious to return to play, afraid of re injuring their ankle. This is significant to overcome as this can could be a major factor to re injuring a sprained ankle. For example if a surfer was going for an Arial manoeuvre, and half way through the air the become scared and do not commit to the manoeuvre, this can result in landing awkwardly on the injured ankle which can create greater problems for the injured ankle. This is why it is important to make sure you are ready to return to play and to only surf in conditions the person is comfortable.
- specific warm up procedures: This relates to focusing on specific warm up procedures before the surfer participates and focusing on exercises that that work on the recovering area, this will prepare this area for required demands during surfing.
Through these factors, this will determine whether or not a surfer is ready to return to play and if the rehabilitation process has fully recovered the Second Degree Sprained ankle and if they are physically, and mentally ready to return to play.
- Indications of readiness to surf: This refers to the degree of mobility around the injured ankle, this needs to be complete as well as the injured ankle being relatively pain free to allow full usage of the ankle with out injuring it. This needs to be complete before returning to surfing. This involves being pain free, having mobility, completing basic skills tests and ability to complete skills and drills. When ever s surfer returns from injury they should put themselves through specific tests that relate to surfing to prove readiness, this can involve jumping, dodging and agility tests. this will test; -
- Elasticity: which is new tissue that has been lengthened and stretched.
- Strength: which is new tissue that is string and which is able to support full body when experiencing stressful movements.
- Mobility: which is when the ankle has gained full movement, particularly in terms of agility.
- Pain free: The injury is pain free during light exercise.
- Balance: the surfer is able to balance their body on the injured side.
Through these tests, this will determine whether or not the surfer will be ready to return to play.
- Monitoring progress refers to the physical condition of the an athlete after their injury, having a pre-test and post-test. This is relevant for a surfer returning to play, they will need to meet a certain criteria or complete a fitness test specifically aimed for surfing, for example 'Burpees'. Due to it testing a range of strengths but also testing your fitness. The burpee is a full body exercise is performed in four basic movements
Begin in a standing position.
- Drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground. (count 1)
- Kick your feet back, while keeping your arms extended. (count 2)
- Immediately return your feet to the squat position. (count 3)
- Jump up from the squat position (count 4)
- psychological readiness and Ethical considerations: This is referred to psychological readiness by having confidence and a positive outlook to prevent the Ankle injury reoccurring. This is important for a surfer, as they may feel pressured from other competitors (if competing) or from sponsors. Some surfers may feel pressured to return to play due to being scared of being dropped by their sponsor or feeling as if you are falling behind the other competitors. However, the surfer may also be anxious to return to play, afraid of re injuring their ankle. This is significant to overcome as this can could be a major factor to re injuring a sprained ankle. For example if a surfer was going for an Arial manoeuvre, and half way through the air the become scared and do not commit to the manoeuvre, this can result in landing awkwardly on the injured ankle which can create greater problems for the injured ankle. This is why it is important to make sure you are ready to return to play and to only surf in conditions the person is comfortable.
- specific warm up procedures: This relates to focusing on specific warm up procedures before the surfer participates and focusing on exercises that that work on the recovering area, this will prepare this area for required demands during surfing.
Through these factors, this will determine whether or not a surfer is ready to return to play and if the rehabilitation process has fully recovered the Second Degree Sprained ankle and if they are physically, and mentally ready to return to play.