Rehabilitation concerns of the middle age athlete

The rehabilitation concerns of physically active middle-aged individuals with knee pathologies require the utilization of multiple interventions. Patients are challenged with more than recovering from a knee injury. The physiologic changes occuring in this patient population directly affect rehabilitation and are discussed. Conservative interventions such as therapeutic modalities, exercise, bracing, and physical fitness need to be woven together to develop a regimen that assists these patients in reaching their functional goals. The patient's motivation and self-efficacy is essential and should be incorporated into the rehabilitation process. Postoperative surgical rehabilitation considerations are outlined for procedures commonly performed in this population. This article attempts to provide strategies and recommendations addressing interventions for the whole person with supporting evidence when available.