Return-to-play: a primary care physician's guide to management

In the primary care clinic, allowing young athletes to return to play following injuries and illnesses can be a challenging balancing act between promoting speed of recovery while still allowing for full recovery and prevention of future injuries or complications.

A literature review of relevant return-to-play articles was performed for musculoskeletal injuries, concussions, and infectious mononucleosis.

We identified several evidence-based approaches to allowing athletes to return to activity following injuries and illnesses. The majority of return-to-play recommendations found were expert opinion-based.

Evidence does exist for primary care providers to assist in guiding their athletic patients back to activity, but it is limited in quantity and quality. The decision to return-to-play is complex, and is best individualized for the patient. Existing guidelines can assist in management; however, only as an adjunct to the clinical decision of a well-informed physician practicing patient-centered medical care.