Current Pedorthics | May-June 2017 | Vol.49, Issue 3 | Page 31

Orthotics and Rehabilitative Exercise "...the adequate and complete rehabilitation of any sustained injury should be a high priority when preparing a patient for future competition." Strength and conditioning training not only prepares an athlete for the physical demands of a sport but the psychological demands as well. Neurological adaptions associated with the movement patterns and physical needs help to improve athlete balance and proprioception. Previous history of injury to the lower limb is the biggest predictive factor for recurrent or secondary injury to the lower limb. Thus, the adequate and complete rehabilitation of any sustained injury should be a high priority when preparing a patient for future competition. Inhibition of muscle activation due to pain or muscle atrophy as a result of detraining can have a serious impact on the prevention of lower limb injury. When a patient comes to see an allied health professional for injury management their motivation to address the issue is at its peak and it is important that we take advantage of this motivational factor to get the best compliance from our clients. Although in a single consult we may not have time to put all the modalities discussed today in place, having a number of appointments in quick secession targeted toward the integration of these strategies is paramount to enabling a fast recovery. Current Pedorthics May/June 2017 29