Rehabilitation and return to sport of a high-level track & field athlete with low back pain - a case report

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is prevalent among elite athletes with initial high levels of physical activity. Currently, there is a lack of evidence describing the optimal management strategy of high-level track and field athletes presenting with low back pain.  CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report describes the clinical management and return-to-sport strategies of a male high-level track and field athlete presenting with low back pain in an outpatient physiotherapy clinic. Mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) served as an important tool in the clinical management of the athlete. Patient-Specific Function Scale (PSFS), an 11-point scale (0 = unable to perform activity to 10 = able to perform activity at preinjury level), was used during three activities: hammer throw, squats and getting socks and shoes on. OUTCOMES: Eight weeks after initial consultation (15 weeks after the index injury), the athlete returned to sport and competition at national championship-level. PFPS scores at final consultation: hammer throw–10/10; squats–10/10 and getting socks and shoes on–10/10.  OUTCOMES: In combination with modern rehabilitation strategies, MDT provided the opportunity to engage the athlete as an active collaborator, which is in accordance with current clinical guidelines and best practice.