Proprioception

Proprioception, the body’s ability to react appropriately to external forces, is the keystone to a functional rehabilitation program. Its importance was postulated as early as 1917; however, in this “high-tech” age is has fallen by the wayside. When a joint is injured, there is a decrease in mechanoreceptor function and proprioceptive feedback to the brain. This deficit inhibits properly coordinated muscular effort and results in an altered perception of body-space relation. Without reestablishing proprioception, the other components of the rehabilitation program (flexibility, strength, and endurance) cannot be orchestrated in the goal of the athlete’s return to participation. This may result in chronic problems.