Return-to-sport testing is often treated as the final checkpoint after an ACL injury. Pass the tests, get cleared, and return to competition. But is it really that simple?

In this episode of the RX Physiotherapy Podcast, Trent Cooksley breaks down what return-to-sport (RTS) testing actually tells us — and more importantly, what it doesn’t.

You’ll learn why many athletes still experience high re-injury rates after being cleared, and why passing a battery of tests doesn’t necessarily mean the knee is ready for the demands of sport.

We explore key factors that influence safe return to sport including:

• Quadriceps strength and why it matters more than you think
• The limitations of hop tests and limb symmetry
• Why athletes can “game” common testing protocols
• How fatigue, time pressure, and real-game scenarios change movement patterns
• The psychological side of returning to sport after injury
• Why gradual exposure to training loads is critical

Rather than acting as a simple green light, return-to-sport testing should be used as a risk-management tool to prepare athletes for the demands of sport.

If you're recovering from an ACL injury, working with injured athletes, or simply want to understand how safe return-to-sport decisions are made, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to learn how better testing and smarter rehab strategies can help athletes return to sport with greater confidence and lower risk of re-injury.

Disclaimer: Before making any health changes, consult with a healthcare professional.

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