#066: The Return to Play Framework, Part 1: Why Pain-Free Is NOT The Goal

#066: The Return to Play Framework, Part 1: Why Pain-Free Is NOT The Goal

June 25, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 66

About this episode

This episode discusses the misconceptions around recovery from sports injuries, emphasizing that being pain-free is not the ultimate goal for athletes returning to play.

The Return to Play Framework, Part 1: Why Pain-Free Is NOT The Goal Most athletes, parents, coaches, and even healthcare providers make the same mistake after an injury: They use pain as the primary marker of recovery. But being pain-free and being ready to return to sport are not the same thing. In this episode of The Clinical Leadership Podcast, we explore the Return to Play Framework and explain why pain-free is only one checkpoint—not the finish line. Whether you're working with a youth s...

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