What is an appropriate first step when returning to sports after an injury?

Returning to sports after an injury is a crucial process that requires careful consideration to ensure the athlete's safety and to facilitate proper recovery. Engaging in lite exercise is an appropriate first step because it allows the individual to gradually reintroduce physical activity without overexerting themselves. This approach helps in assessing the injured area’s readiness for more intense activities while also promoting healing and restoring mobility.

Lite exercise can include activities that are low in impact and stress on the body, such as stretching, mobility drills, or low-resistance workouts. This stage not only aids in the physiological recovery process but also assists in rebuilding confidence in the injured area. It is a way to engage the body in movement patterns that mimic sport-specific actions, facilitating a smoother transition to more demanding physical loads.

In contrast, immediate competition, full-contact practice, or even intense training would place undue stress on the healing body, potentially risking re-injury or exacerbation of existing issues. Consulting a physical therapist, while beneficial and often a necessary part of rehabilitation, is not the initial step in this scenario; rather, it may follow lite exercise to provide guidance on specific rehabilitation exercises and progressions.