What phase follows the Sub-Acute Stage in the rehabilitation protocols?

The phase that follows the Sub-Acute Stage in rehabilitation protocols is the Early Rehabilitation phase. This stage is crucial for transitioning patients from healing to actively regaining strength and function after an injury.

During the Early Rehabilitation phase, the focus shifts to restoring mobility, increasing range of motion, and beginning light strength training. It is marked by a gradual increase in activities to promote recovery while ensuring that the patient does not exacerbate any injuries. This phase often includes supervised exercise programs tailored to the individual's specific needs and tolerance levels.

The importance of this phase cannot be understated, as it sets the foundation for more advanced rehabilitation stages that follow, where athletes or patients progress to more challenging activities, ultimately aiming for a return to their previous level of activity or sport. The structured approach helps in preventing complications, ensuring a safe and effective return to function.