Return-to-Sport Testing Mosman Park
Objective Testing, Strength Assessment and Performance Readiness
Return-to-sport testing helps athletes understand whether they have the strength, control and movement quality required to return safely to training and competition. Whether you are recovering from injury, building toward a performance goal or preparing to rejoin your sport, structured testing provides clear benchmarks and confidence in your readiness.
At In Clinic Physiotherapy in Mosman Park, we support athletes from Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove, Claremont, Dalkeith and North Fremantle through evidence-based testing and structured progression.
Why Use Return-to-Sport Testing?
Returning to sport too early can increase the risk of re-injury. Objective testing provides clarity by measuring strength, power, control and functional capacity relevant to your sport or position.
Return-to-sport testing is beneficial for:
• ACL rehabilitation
• Knee, ankle and hip injuries
• Shoulder and upper limb injuries
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Muscle strains, including hamstring and calf
• Chronic or recurring injuries
• Athletes wanting clear performance benchmarks
It helps guide decisions for athletes, parents, coaches and medical professionals. Many athletes complete rehabilitation alongside Sports Physiotherapy.
What Return-to-Sport Testing Measures
Our testing process assesses a combination of strength, control and movement components relevant to your sport. Depending on your injury and goals, this may include:
• Strength testing for lower or upper limb
• Isolated muscle strength assessment
• Limb symmetry comparisons
• Functional strength (squats, lunges, step-downs)
• Hop tests and power output measures
• Change-of-direction mechanics
• Plyometric and landing control
• Running mechanics (if appropriate)
• Sport-specific movement patterns
Each test is linked to recognised benchmarks to help guide safe progression.
What to Expect in Your Return-to-Sport Testing Session
1. Discussion of Your Injury and Goals
We review your injury history, sport, training demands and what you aim to return to.
2. Baseline Mobility and Strength Screening
Assessment of key muscle groups and movement patterns required for your sport.
3. Objective Strength Testing
Use of manual testing, equipment-based measures or functional strength assessments to compare side-to-side differences and overall capacity.
4. Power, Control and Functional Testing
Hop tests, landing mechanics, agility and directional control where appropriate.
5. Sport-Specific Assessment
Movements tailored to your sport, such as running drills, cutting patterns or overhead strength.
6. Review of Results
A clear breakdown of your results, strengths, limitations and recommended focus areas.
7. Progression Plan
Guidance for training load, strength development and the next steps toward full participation.
Who Is Return-to-Sport Testing For?
Return-to-sport testing is suitable for:
• Field athletes (football, rugby, soccer)
• Court athletes (netball, basketball, tennis)
• Runners and sprinters
• Swimmers and surfers
• Junior athletes
• Gym and strength-based athletes
• Anyone returning to structured training after injury
It provides confidence in your readiness and helps support safe decision-making. Learn more about how return-to-sport testing is used to guide safe progression back to training and competition.
ACL and lower limb injuries often begin on our Knee Physiotherapy page
Return-to-Sport Testing for ACL Rehabilitation
ACL rehabilitation requires structured, objective testing at different stages of recovery. Testing may include:
• Quadriceps and hamstring strength ratios
• Limb symmetry measures
• Hop tests and landing mechanics
• Change-of-direction control
• Running progression benchmarks
These assessments help guide readiness for training phases, contact work and eventual return to competition.
Rehabilitation typically includes strength work described on our Hip & Groin Physiotherapy page
Book a Return-to-Sport Testing Session
If you are preparing to return to sport or want clear benchmarks to guide your training, our physiotherapists can help you progress safely and effectively.
Book Online — available 24/7
Call Us — speak with our reception team
Supporting athletes across Mosman Park, Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove, Claremont, Dalkeith and North Fremantle.
FAQ — Return-to-Sport Testing
What is return-to-sport testing?
Return-to-sport testing measures strength, control and functional capacity to help determine readiness to return to sport after injury.
Do I need to be pain-free before testing?
Not necessarily. Your physiotherapist will advise whether testing is appropriate based on your rehabilitation stage.
What injuries benefit from return-to-sport testing?
Common injuries include ACL injuries, ankle sprains, muscle strains, shoulder injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation.
How long does a testing session take?
Most sessions take 45–60 minutes depending on the type and number of tests required.
Is return-to-sport testing only for athletes?
No. Anyone returning to structured exercise or activity can benefit from objective testing.
What happens after the testing session?
You receive a breakdown of your results and a plan outlining the next steps in your rehabilitation or training.