Rehabilitation of muscle injuries.

Rehabilitation of muscle injuries is directed toward restoration of function, not just relief of symptoms. This philosophy is reflected in the goals of rehabilitation, which can be stated as 1) establishment of an accurate diagnosis; 2) minimization of deleterious local effects of the acute injury; 3) allowance for proper healing; 4) maintenance of other components of athletic fitness; and 5) return to normal athletic function. The goals fit well into the framework of the tissue injury cycle described earlier in this symposium. Details of the rehabilitation goals and the relationship to the tissue injury cycle will be discussed.