Learning Objectives:

1. Explain how tissue irritability and pain monitoring (e.g., Copenhagen 5-second squeeze test) can be used to guide criteria-based progression during rehabilitation. 2. Apply principles of early, individualized sport-specific loading as an alternative to relative rest protocols in the management of acute muscle strains. 3. Compare traditional rest-first protocols to early loading approaches in the management of acute soft tissue injuries.

Keywords: adductor longus, sport-specific rehabilitation, criteria-based progression