REHABILITATION METHODS AFTER KNEE JOINT INJURIES IN PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES

Abstract

This material is prepared within the framework of research into sports traumatism and promising recovery methods for professional athletes following knee injuries. The relevance of this topic is driven by the fact that knee recovery after sports trauma remains one of the most pressing issues due to the high prevalence of such injuries. The aim of the article is to summarize and analyze materials dedicated to the clinical experience of effective rehabilitation for athletes after knee injuries using innovative techniques. Materials and methods. The research methodology is determined by its theoretical nature, with the selection of methods dictated by the study's objective. Results. The paper states that the modern approach to developing a rehabilitation protocol is based on the principle that knee recovery methods and rehabilitation timelines are always selected individually, depending on the nature of the injury and the patient's condition. It is recognized within the expert community that the outcome of efforts to restore knee functionality largely depends on the correctly chosen rehabilitation methodology. This is further facilitated by adherence to rehabilitation principles, which are considered an integral component of an effective and safe recovery process. Summary. The study concludes that innovative methods deemed promising for ensuring the effective rehabilitation of athletes after knee injuries include: 1) Functional Movement Screen (FMS) methodology; 2) TECAR therapy and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT); 3) functional training and adaptive sports technologies; 4) non-surgical bio-pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis, such as intra-articular injections (Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell therapy, prolotherapy, and genicular nerve block). It is specifically emphasized that regardless of the chosen physical therapy strategy, a rehabilitation specialist must conduct an assessment of the recovery status after knee joint injuries and determine the athlete's potential to return to training and competition