RETURN TO SPORT FUNCTIONAL PROGRESSION
Bridge the gap between rehab and try-outs or the start of practice! Tekulve Acceleration Sports Training Return to Sport Program picks up where traditional therapy ends. We are looking to return the injured client to full activity status in gradually increasing increments to enhance function and confidence. The program uses the Backpedal Treadmill, Dynamic Movement Drills, Forward Treadmill and Strength Training to reach these goals.
Dynamic Movement Drills Multiple movement patterns are performed utilizing both legs. As the client progresses and tolerates the dual leg drills, they are then performed using single legs. This way we can document deficits by comparing the injured leg to the uninjured leg. This allows the client to regain confidence in the leg in a noncompetitive situation under close supervision.
The Forward Treadmill
Utilized for regaining proper running mechanics and increasing cardiovascular conditioning. Early training focuses on low level running at slower speeds and longer duration. As the client progresses, inclines are increased to simulate normal running/sprinting to return to full recovery.
The Backpedal Treadmill
We begin with level inclines and longer time duration at slower speeds. As the client progresses, the incline can be raised up to 40 degrees and speeds can be increased. Time duration is anywhere between 4 seconds to 1 minute. The reasons we use the retrograde treadmill is it allows excellent quadricep recruitment, is a proprioceptive tool and it significantly reduces patellar femoral stress.
Lower Body Strength Training
The Plyo Press Machine (PPM) improves leg strength and explosive power. Its unique design allows athletes to take explosive power training to a higher level. The footplate angle puts the athlete in an athletic position to produce force through the balls of his/her feet - not the heels like a standard squat exercise. You compete in an athletic position, you need to train in those positions. The sled supports the low back and reinforces proper mechanics when lifting heavy weights or doing explosive jumps. Using an exclusive weight loading pattern, the PPM provides variable resistance that optimizes the weight load based on how the body works. Versus squats and hip sleds, the PPM is a safer and more effective way to train lower body explosive strength and power.
The Multi-Hip (MHM) improves key abdominal and hip muscle strength essential for improved performance. Resistance settings can be adjusted from less than 15 pounds for lateral movement patterns to 375 pounds for dynamic power movements. The MHM is versatile enough to accommodate athletes from 5 feet to 7 feet tall, who are both healthy and in rehabilitation for injury.
Summary The Return to Sport functional progression philosophy can be utilized for almost any lower extremity pathology. The key is to progress slowly as signs and symptoms dictate. The goal is to return the client to their preferred activity to as close to 100 % as possible. Almost any age population can benefit from this activity with the appropriate modifications.
The program is 10 or 20 visits and can be scheduled two or three times per week.
PROVEN INJURY RISK REDUCTION
As published in the Sept/Oct 2000 issue of The American Journal of Sports Medicine, athletes who trained at Tekulve Acceleration based on the first level of the Internationally acclaimed Frappier Acceleration Sports Training Program were:
Dynamic Movement Drills Multiple movement patterns are performed utilizing both legs. As the client progresses and tolerates the dual leg drills, they are then performed using single legs. This way we can document deficits by comparing the injured leg to the uninjured leg. This allows the client to regain confidence in the leg in a noncompetitive situation under close supervision.
The Forward Treadmill
Utilized for regaining proper running mechanics and increasing cardiovascular conditioning. Early training focuses on low level running at slower speeds and longer duration. As the client progresses, inclines are increased to simulate normal running/sprinting to return to full recovery.
The Backpedal Treadmill
We begin with level inclines and longer time duration at slower speeds. As the client progresses, the incline can be raised up to 40 degrees and speeds can be increased. Time duration is anywhere between 4 seconds to 1 minute. The reasons we use the retrograde treadmill is it allows excellent quadricep recruitment, is a proprioceptive tool and it significantly reduces patellar femoral stress.
Lower Body Strength Training
The Plyo Press Machine (PPM) improves leg strength and explosive power. Its unique design allows athletes to take explosive power training to a higher level. The footplate angle puts the athlete in an athletic position to produce force through the balls of his/her feet - not the heels like a standard squat exercise. You compete in an athletic position, you need to train in those positions. The sled supports the low back and reinforces proper mechanics when lifting heavy weights or doing explosive jumps. Using an exclusive weight loading pattern, the PPM provides variable resistance that optimizes the weight load based on how the body works. Versus squats and hip sleds, the PPM is a safer and more effective way to train lower body explosive strength and power.
The Multi-Hip (MHM) improves key abdominal and hip muscle strength essential for improved performance. Resistance settings can be adjusted from less than 15 pounds for lateral movement patterns to 375 pounds for dynamic power movements. The MHM is versatile enough to accommodate athletes from 5 feet to 7 feet tall, who are both healthy and in rehabilitation for injury.
Summary The Return to Sport functional progression philosophy can be utilized for almost any lower extremity pathology. The key is to progress slowly as signs and symptoms dictate. The goal is to return the client to their preferred activity to as close to 100 % as possible. Almost any age population can benefit from this activity with the appropriate modifications.
The program is 10 or 20 visits and can be scheduled two or three times per week.
PROVEN INJURY RISK REDUCTION
As published in the Sept/Oct 2000 issue of The American Journal of Sports Medicine, athletes who trained at Tekulve Acceleration based on the first level of the Internationally acclaimed Frappier Acceleration Sports Training Program were:
- 20% less likely to sustain any injury
- 44% less likely to sustain a season ending injury
