Which rehabilitation phase aims to restore full range of motion and begin skill exercises?

• A. Repair phase.
• B. Inflammatory phase.
• C. Maturation/remodeling phase.
• D. All phases equally.

Answer: (A)

The phase where the priority becomes restoring full range of motion and starting skill-based exercises is the repair (proliferation) phase. After the initial inflammatory response is controlled, tissues begin to form new collagen and gradually align it in response to load. This is when you move from protection toward movement, focusing on regaining ROM to prevent stiffness and initiating controlled, simple skill and neuromuscular tasks to re‑educate movement patterns. The inflammatory phase is about reducing swelling and pain with protection, and the maturation/remodeling phase comes later, emphasizing tissue remodeling and higher-demand, sport-specific activities.