CurrentAT, Athletic trainer
Return to play clearance
Choose your profession and state in Your lens above, and this page answers for you first.
At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorVaries by stateA few states let chiropractors clear young athletes after concussion, sometimes only with a physician's involvement or added credentials, while others reserve clearance for physicians and other listed providers.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistVaries by statePhysical therapists may treat athletes recovering from injury in every state, but only some youth concussion laws let a physical therapist sign return-to-play clearance.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistVaries by stateOccupational therapists can help athletes return to school and daily life, but few youth concussion laws let them sign return-to-play clearance; Iowa's does.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerVaries by stateMany youth concussion laws let an athletic trainer sign return-to-play clearance, often only in consultation with or under the supervision of a physician, but some states reserve it for a physician.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistNot typicalSigning return-to-play clearance is not part of massage therapy; no youth concussion law we read names massage therapists, and massage laws exclude diagnosis.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
Before an injured athlete goes back to their sport, someone decides they are ready. After a concussion, state youth sports laws say which licensed providers may sign that clearance, and the list differs from state to state.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Across professions | Return to play | Common in sport and in state concussion laws |
| Across professions | Return to sport | The term used in consensus statements |
| Across professions | Written clearance | The document many youth concussion laws require |
What the bodies say
CurrentAT, Athletic trainerPT, Physical therapistOT, Occupational therapistDC, Chiropractor
Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport–Amsterdam, October 2022
CurrentAT, Athletic trainerCPT, Personal trainerCSCS, Strength and conditioning specialist
ACSM Expert Consensus Statement on Exertional Heat Illness: Recognition, Management, and Return to Activity
CurrentPT, Physical therapist
Hamstring Strain Injury in Athletes
CurrentAT, Athletic trainer
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Immediate Management of Appendicular Joint Dislocations
CurrentAT, Athletic trainerPT, Physical therapistCSCS, Strength and conditioning specialist
How much is too much? (Part 1) International Olympic Committee consensus statement on load in sport and risk of injury
CurrentAT, Athletic trainer
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Management of Sport Concussion
CurrentAT, Athletic trainer
National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Conservative Management and Prevention of Ankle Sprains in Athletes
Check your state
Find your licensing board
Get licensed links to the board for each profession in each state, so you can read its rules or ask it directly.
Go to Get licensedState-by-state detail
This topic varies enough between states to warrant a state table, with the statute and board for each cell.