A soccer player leans back mid-kick.

Return to soccer program

Physical therapy to help soccer players of all skill levels get back in the game

Soccer injuries can take even the most skilled players out of the game. If you’re a soccer player recovering from pain caused by a tendon, muscle, bone or joint injury, the Return to Soccer Program at TRIA can help. We designed this specialized physical therapy program to assist all soccer players, from recreational to professional, in managing their current injuries and returning them to the field with confidence.

Our team of physical therapists will work with you to identify your needs and guide you through a comprehensive program that addresses your specific injury. During your treatment, you’ll see a member of our team one-on-one as we incorporate soccer-specific training with agility, strength and speed into your rehabilitation program. We’ll work with you to get back on the field and beyond so you can continue to play at peak performance.

How the Return to Soccer Program works

Your first visit will begin with an initial evaluation. We’ll talk with you about your medical history, injury and symptoms, as well as perform a physical examination. Then, we’ll use the results of your evaluation to create a personalized treatment program based on your specific needs and goals.

Your treatment plan will include soccer-specific strengthening, agility and sprint training, discussion on loading progression and a plan for on-field rehabilitation that directly addresses your areas of need. You’ll work one-on-one with one of our soccer experts as we guide you through your rehabilitation program.

Components of the Return to Soccer Program

We offer the latest physical therapy and sports medicine treatments. During your rehabilitation, we’ll perform tests to determine how far along you are in your recovery and guide you to the right stage of training. Depending on your condition, the program will involve:

Physical therapy for soccer players

Our physical therapists use specialized treatments designed to help soccer players recover from an injury or surgery. We’ll guide you through targeted exercises to strengthen your muscles, improve your flexibility and increase function. This includes agility and sprint training necessary for two-way play.

Proprioceptive exercises may also be part of your training plan. These are exercises that improve body awareness and help stabilize your joints to prevent future injury.

If needed, we’ll also use soccer-specific neuromuscular re-education, a technique that helps teach your body how to move more efficiently. Neuromuscular re-education helps the nerves in your muscles relearn how to fire at the appropriate times to allow you to move with optimal available strength and efficiency.

Biomechanical kicking and cutting analysis

Biomechanical analysis is the study of how you move. During biomechanical analysis, we’ll ask you to perform certain movements, like kicking the ball, decelerating or cutting. We may use technology to gain insight on the potential source of the problem.

Our bodies often compensate for an injury, leading to altered body mechanics that can affect performance and increase the risk of a future injury or pain. If we notice any of those movement compensations, we’ll develop a care plan to help you move more comfortably and efficiently.

FIFA warm-up training program

We’ll guide you through a FIFA warm-up program specific to your age. This program was created by FIFA’s Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC) to be performed prior to games and practices. It’s been shown to decrease risk of injury 30-50% compared to standard warm-ups.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)