A rehabilitation and reconditioning programme for a quick return to competition is based on a systematic set of principles

A key role of a back-up team is to help a player return from injury via a reconditioning programme with contributions from a range of professionals including Consultants, GP's, Physiotherapists and Strength and Conditioning Coaches.

This section of Prepare and Repair provides an overview of rehab and reconditioning principles and does not replace the advice of a qualified Doctor or Physiotherapist. If you are suffering from an injury, visit a medical professional.

The phases of healing are inflamation, repair and remodeling, which are governed by rehabilitation and reconditioning principles:

• Healing tissues must never be over-stressed
• The player must meet specific criteria to progress from one phase of the healing process to another
• Clinical research regarding the appropriate methods of healing must be adhered to
• the medical history of the player should be scrutinised
• treat each player individually - players do not repair at the same rate and require a personal programme
• the aim is to return the player to competition as early as possible but without risking further injury or compromising total rugby fitness

Applying Ice and Compression

Applying ice to an injured area is a recognised method of reducing inflamation

Applying ice to an injury decreases swelling mainly by constricting the blood vessels to the affected area. The duration of the application is guided by the depth and severity of the injury, and plays a key role in healing process.

Ice may also be applied to reduce the effects of DOMS, particularly following an intense training session

A short spell in a cold shower or bath has proved to reduce post exercise muscle soreness and help players recover quicker.

Reconditioning

Minimising a loss in general fitness is crucial while a player is injured and a range of reconditioning options need to be considered to replace the standard training programme. Options include:

• Water based training - aqua jogging, swimming and low impact jogging (shallow end)
• Cycling, rowing or stepping
• Proprioception devices - such as Swiss Balls
• Arm crank machines
• Band and resistance tube exercises

Once a certain level of strength, balance, range of movement and endurance have been restored, players need to focus on functional exercises that resemble the movements of rugby such as speed agility and dynamic strength.