Management, Intervention, and Rehabilitation
Phases and progression
Rehabilitation questions test progression logic: protect, restore motion, rebuild strength and power, then return to function. Understand tissue-healing timelines and how they shape loading (e.g., early controlled loading of tendons and ligaments). Know that progressive overload drives adaptation and that pain-guided loading is acceptable within reason.
Exercise selection and dosing
Be able to choose exercises by target (eccentric for tendinopathy, plyometric progression for power, closed- vs open-chain for joint stress) and prescribe appropriate sets, reps, and tempo. Eccentric and heavy-slow resistance training are well supported for patellar and Achilles tendinopathy. Blood flow restriction training is an adjunct when heavy loading is limited, not a replacement for it.
Manual therapy and modalities
Manual therapy is best framed as a short-term adjunct to exercise for pain modulation and mobility, not a stand-alone cure. Understand when modalities (e.g., neuromuscular electrical stimulation, cryotherapy) are supportive versus primary.
Return-to-activity criteria
Criteria-based, not time-based, progression is the modern standard: pain, range of motion, strength symmetry (commonly ~90% limb symmetry), and sport-specific movement quality.
Traps
Questions may imply a single modality resolves a condition. Favor active exercise and load management. Also avoid premature return or over-reliance on passive care.
Rule of thumb
If two answers are plausible, choose the one that loads the tissue progressively and includes objective progression criteria.