In Part 1, I outlined the first three phases of the R6 Return-to-Play Model—Repair, Restore, and Rebuild—and explained how Aruka’s skill-based system uniquely breaks the Rebuild phase into three progressive stages: ALPHA, BETA, and OMEGA.
Now it’s time to move into the home stretch—the final three phases that determine whether an athlete not only returnsbut truly resumes their performance path with clarity, confidence, and competence.
Let’s finish the cycle.
PHASE 4: RETURN
“Re-enter training with intelligent structure.”
The athlete is now physically capable of rejoining structured practice or training. But this doesn’t mean “full go.” It means reintroduction with strategy.
Too often, athletes go from rehab room to full team drills without safeguards. R6 prevents that by using modified re-entry protocols to stress-test the athlete’s skill and capacity in a safe, coach-monitored setting.
Key Objectives:
- Begin group drills and team activities with volume and contact control
- Expose the athlete to low-stress tactical or positional movements
- Introduce reactive agility and live decision-making
- Implement monitoring systems (HRV, session RPE, player journaling)
- Maintain movement integrity under cognitive and fatigue load
Key Strategies:
- Pre- and post-practice check-ins
- Use of “live half-speed” formats to monitor decision-making
- Gradual increases in contact intensity, duration, and complexity
Team Collaboration:
Coach, therapist, strength staff, and athlete must communicate daily. This is not the end—it’s the transition zone where readiness is either confirmed or exposed.
PHASE 5: REASSESS
“Don’t assume readiness—prove it.”
This is the checkpoint phase—a deliberate pause to evaluate if the athlete is truly prepared to resume full participation.
Most RTP plans skip this phase, but in the Aruka system, this is the gatekeeper.
It’s where you either:
- Confirm that skill, strength, and psyche are in sync
- Or identify what’s still missing before risking full clearance
Key Components of Reassessment:
- Movement IQ Screen (Advanced Level)
- Are the Movement Skills for Life fully restored and symmetrical?
- Injury Risk Analysis
- Is the athlete predisposed to re-injury under sport-specific conditions?
- Hop Testing & Force Plate Analysis(if available)
- Are unilateral strength and ground contact times balanced?
- Skill-Specific Testing
- Position-specific movement or decision drills at 85–95% speed
- Fatigue Simulation
- Movement under fatigue to mimic game stress
- Psychological Readiness Tools
- Interviews, surveys, or subjective reporting on fear, confidence, reactivity
Exit Markers:
- Functional symmetry (power, range, rhythm)
- No compensatory movement patterns
- Cognitive and emotional readiness under stress
- Full team consensus: “Yes, they’re ready.”
PHASE 6: RESUME
“Fully cleared. Fully capable. Fully restored.”
This final phase marks the true return. The athlete now resumes unrestricted training, sport, or lifestyle—with no limitations and a clear plan for long-term maintenance.
But we don’t just hand them a “go” card and disappear.
We emphasize:
- Movement hygiene: regular screens to monitor regression
- Load management: gradual exposure to peak volume and contact
- Skill sustainability: continued refinement of foundational movements
- Psychological support: check-ins to prevent performance anxiety or fear
This phase isn’t about ending rehab—it’s about reinforcing the rebuild.
🧩 The Big Picture: R6 Is a Collaborative Recovery Framework
Let me say this clearly:
Injury recovery cannot happen in silos.
The R6 Model is built to break those silos:
- Doctors and therapists aren’t just the first stop—they remain part of the journey.
- Coaches and performance staff aren’t just at the end—they guide the middle.
- Parents (for youth) and the athletes themselves are active decision-makers.
Everyone must speak the same language. That’s what R6 provides:
- Structured stages
- Exit markers
- Progressive skill-based movement
- Clear responsibilities for each team member
No more guesswork. No more rushing. No more return-before-ready.
🛠️ Coming Summer 2025: Pre-Built Aruka RTP Protocols
To make this model accessible for more coaches, therapists, and programs, we’re launching 12 pre-built Return-to-Play protocols covering the most common sports injuries.
Each protocol includes:
- Structured exercises by phase and stage
- Assessments and exit markers
- Surface and tempo guidelines
- Cognitive and skill restoration strategies
- Therapist + performance staff collaboration plans
- Optional video demos and virtual consults
This isn’t just about helping someone return—
It’s about ensuring they resume the life and performance they were made for.
⚡️ Final Thoughts
The R6 Model is more than a process—it’s a promise.
A promise to rebuild what’s broken.
To restore what’s lost.
And to return the athlete with greater confidence, skill, and resilience than ever before.
So whether you’re a coach, a therapist, a parent, or the athlete yourself—this is your roadmap.
Let’s do it right.
—Coach J
Kent Johnston
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