Rehabilitation Exercises for Common Sports Injuries

Faiza Abdullah, Kinesiologist and Osteopathic Student

As a Kinesiologist, I work with athletes and active individuals recovering from injuries, helping them regain strength, mobility, and confidence. Rehabilitation is a crucial step in the healing process, and performing the right exercises can prevent re-injury and promote long-term health. Here are some effective rehabilitation exercises for common sports injuries.

1. Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, often occurring due to sudden twists or awkward landings.

Rehabilitation Exercises:

  • Ankle Circles & Alphabet Writing: Improves mobility and range of motion.
  • Towel Scrunches: Strengthens foot and ankle muscles by scrunching a towel with your toes.
  • Single-Leg Balance: Enhances stability and proprioception.
  • Resistance Band Ankle Inversion/Eversion: Strengthens the supporting muscles of the ankle.

2. Knee Injuries (ACL/Meniscus Tears)

Knee injuries, such as ACL tears or meniscus injuries, require progressive strengthening and stability exercises.

Rehabilitation Exercises:

  • Quad Sets & Straight Leg Raises: Rebuilds quadriceps strength without stressing the knee joint.
  • Mini Squats & Step-Ups: Gradually restores functional movement and lower body strength.
  • Hamstring Curls & Glute Bridges: Supports knee stability by strengthening posterior chain muscles.
  • Balance Board Exercises: Improves knee stability and coordination.

3. Shoulder Injuries (Rotator Cuff Strains, Dislocations)

Shoulder injuries can limit mobility and strength, making proper rehabilitation essential.

Rehabilitation Exercises:

  • Pendulum Swings: Encourages gentle mobility in the shoulder joint.
  • External & Internal Rotations with a Resistance Band: Strengthens rotator cuff muscles.
  • Wall Slides & Shoulder Blade Squeezes: Enhances shoulder stability and posture.
  • Scapular Push-Ups: Improves shoulder control and strength.

4. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Overuse of the forearm muscles can lead to inflammation and pain, requiring targeted rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Exercises:

  • Wrist Flexion & Extension with Light Weights: Strengthens forearm muscles.
  • Eccentric Wrist Curls: Helps rebuild tendon strength and resilience.
  • Grip Strength Exercises: Improves hand and forearm endurance.
  • Stretching the Extensor Muscles: Reduces tension in the affected tendons.

5. Hamstring Strains

Hamstring injuries can be slow to heal, making proper stretching and strengthening key to recovery.

Rehabilitation Exercises:

  • Seated Hamstring Stretch & Foam Rolling: Helps improve flexibility and reduce tightness.
  • Isometric Hamstring Holds: Builds muscle endurance with low impact.
  • Nordic Hamstring Curls: Strengthens the hamstrings and reduces re-injury risk.
  • Glute-Ham Raises: Engages both hamstrings and glutes for better function.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from a sports injury takes patience, consistency, and the right rehabilitation approach. Properly guided exercises can restore strength, prevent future injuries, and help athletes return to their sport safely. If you’re dealing with an injury, consult a Kinesiologist or healthcare professional to develop a tailored rehabilitation plan that suits your needs.

About the Author:

Faiza is a kinesiologist and has always been an advocate of living a healthy active lifestyle. She has extensive experiences working with groups and individuals with chronic conditions guiding them to regain control of their health. She is now in her final years of becoming an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner hoping to help individuals in pain and regain optimal health.

For more information about Faiza, click here