First Team Rehabilitation Specialist

First Team Rehabilitation Specialist – Al Ain Football Club

Job Title: First Team Rehabilitation Specialist

Department: Medical & Sports Science

Reports To: Head of Medical / Head Physiotherapist

Location: Al Ain Football Club Training Ground & Match Venues

Contract Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:

Al Ain Football Club is seeking a highly qualified and experienced First Team Rehabilitation Specialist to join our medical and performance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing rehabilitation programs for injured players, ensuring a safe and efficient return to full fitness. The role involves working closely with physiotherapists, strength & conditioning coaches, and medical staff to facilitate optimal player recovery and reduce reinjury risks.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Injury Rehabilitation & Recovery Programs

• Design and implement individualized rehabilitation plans based on the specific needs of each injured player.
• Use evidence-based recovery techniques to restore strength, mobility, and function.
• Conduct functional movement screenings to assess player recovery progress.
• Work closely with physiotherapists to ensure a seamless transition from injury treatment to return-to-play.

2. Return-to-Play Protocols

• Develop structured return-to-play (RTP) criteria to ensure players regain full fitness before rejoining the squad.
• Monitor biomechanical data, muscle activation patterns, and functional movements to assess player readiness.
• Implement progressive load management strategies to prevent reinjury.
• Conduct sport-specific drills and exercises to simulate match conditions before full reintegration.

3. Strength & Conditioning Integration

• Collaborate with strength & conditioning coaches to design gradual strength-building programs for injured players.
• Develop post-injury fitness programs to restore endurance, agility, and explosiveness.
• Utilize injury-prevention exercises to enhance movement mechanics and stability.
• Use technology-driven performance tracking tools (GPS, force plates, motion analysis) to measure progress.

4. Rehabilitation Testing & Performance Monitoring

• Perform regular fitness and movement assessments to track recovery and ensure optimal return-to-play conditions.
• Utilize objective testing methods such as dynamometry, jump analysis, and movement screenings.
• Work with sports scientists to analyze rehab progress data and adapt training plans accordingly.

5. Matchday & Training Responsibilities

• Provide pre-training and pre-match rehabilitation support for players recovering from injuries.
• Assist medical staff with pitch-side rehabilitation exercises during warm-ups and cool-downs.
• Ensure injured players maintain cardiovascular fitness and mobility throughout the rehab process.
• Offer hands-on treatment techniques to aid muscle recovery (manual therapy, stretching, soft tissue release).

6. Multi-Disciplinary Team Collaboration

• Work closely with physiotherapists, sports scientists, and medical staff to create comprehensive rehab strategies.
• Participate in injury management meetings and provide updates on player recovery progress.
• Educate players and coaching staff on injury prevention strategies and movement efficiency techniques.