Five-Step Treatment for Overuse Injuries

In brief

Overuse injuries can be particularly challenging to manage. An athlete's premature return to athletic activity often results in recurrent and recalcitrant injury. A five-step management plan that includes establishing a pathoanatomic diagnosis, controlling inflammation, promoting healing, increasing fitness, and controlling abusive activity offers athletes optimal opportunity to return successfully to athletic performance.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Francis G. O'Connor

Dr O'Connor is currently director of primary care sports- medicine at Dewitt Army Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Ms Sobel is clinical director of rehabilitation and Dr Nirschl is medical director of the Virginia Sportsmedicine Institute at the Arlington Hospital Medical Center in Arlington, Virginia. Dr Nirschl is also assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and an editorial board member of THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE. He and Dr O'Connor are members of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Janet R. Sobel

Dr O'Connor is currently director of primary care sports- medicine at Dewitt Army Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Ms Sobel is clinical director of rehabilitation and Dr Nirschl is medical director of the Virginia Sportsmedicine Institute at the Arlington Hospital Medical Center in Arlington, Virginia. Dr Nirschl is also assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and an editorial board member of THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE. He and Dr O'Connor are members of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Robert P. Nirschl

Dr O'Connor is currently director of primary care sports- medicine at Dewitt Army Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Ms Sobel is clinical director of rehabilitation and Dr Nirschl is medical director of the Virginia Sportsmedicine Institute at the Arlington Hospital Medical Center in Arlington, Virginia. Dr Nirschl is also assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and an editorial board member of THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE. He and Dr O'Connor are members of the American College of Sports Medicine.