Injury Recovery Efforts by the Los Angeles Chargers Staff

In the NFL, where a single injury can derail a season, the Los Angeles Chargers’ staff has built a reputation for innovative, player-centric injury recovery efforts that prioritize both short-term return and long-term health. Led by head athletic trainer Tom McMahon, the Chargers’ recovery team includes orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and even sports psychologists—all working in tandem to create personalized plans for each injured player. From ACL tears to minor sprains, the staff’s approach blends cutting-edge technology with hands-on care, ensuring players not only heal but return to the field stronger than before. Injury Recovery Efforts by the Los Angeles Chargers Staff explores the key components of this system, focusing on specific recovery stories and the strategies that make the Chargers’ staff stand out league-wide.

Injury Recovery Efforts by the Los Angeles Chargers Staff starts with the team’s initial injury assessment process—a critical first step that sets the foundation for successful recovery. When a player gets injured, the Chargers’ medical staff moves quickly: on-field athletic trainers perform immediate evaluations to stabilize the injury, while orthopedic doctors (who travel with the team to every game and practice) conduct follow-up scans (X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans) within hours. This rapid response ensures no time is wasted in diagnosing the issue. For example, when right tackle Trey Pipkins III suffered a knee sprain in Week 13, the staff performed an on-field ultrasound to rule out ligament damage, then scheduled an MRI for the next morning. The scan revealed a Grade 2 sprain, and the staff immediately crafted a recovery plan—avoiding the delays that often prolong injuries. “Our goal is to get accurate information fast,” McMahon said. “The longer we wait to diagnose, the longer the recovery takes. We prioritize speed without sacrificing precision.” This approach has helped the Chargers reduce average recovery time for minor injuries by 20% compared to the league average over the past two seasons.

Injury Recovery Efforts by the Los Angeles Chargers Staff focuses on the staff’s use of cutting-edge technology to accelerate healing—tools that go beyond traditional physical therapy. One key innovation is the use of cryotherapy chambers, which players use post-recovery sessions to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. For players like Pipkins, who needed to reduce swelling in his knee, the staff scheduled 10-minute cryotherapy sessions twice daily, lowering his body temperature to 32°F to constrict blood vessels and speed up recovery. Another tool is the anti-gravity treadmill, which allows players with lower-body injuries to walk or jog without bearing full weight. Wide receiver Mike Williams, who recovered from an ankle sprain in Week 9, used the treadmill for three weeks to maintain cardio fitness while his ankle healed—ensuring he didn’t lose stamina during his absence. The staff also uses wearable technology, like GPS trackers and heart rate monitors, to monitor players’ progress in real time, adjusting recovery plans if a player shows signs of overexertion. “Technology isn’t a replacement for human care, but it’s a powerful tool,” said Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Chargers’ team orthopedist. “It lets us be more precise with our plans, which leads to faster, safer recoveries.”

Injury Recovery Efforts by the Los Angeles Chargers Staff delves into the staff’s holistic approach—one that addresses not just the physical but also the mental aspects of recovery. The Chargers were one of the first NFL teams to hire a full-time sports psychologist dedicated to injury recovery, recognizing that players often struggle with anxiety or frustration when sidelined. For example, when rookie running back Omarion Hampton was placed on the NFI list with a personal health issue, the staff paired him with sports psychologist Dr. Sarah Lopez, who helped him manage stress and stay mentally engaged with the team. Dr. Lopez held weekly one-on-one sessions with Hampton, using visualization techniques to help him imagine returning to the field and setting small, achievable goals (like completing daily physical therapy exercises) to build confidence. The staff also encourages injured players to attend team meetings and practices, keeping them connected to the locker room. “Injuries are as mental as they are physical,” Dr. Lopez said. “If a player feels isolated, their recovery slows down. We make sure they know they’re still part of the team, even when they can’t play.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this holistic approach has reduced the “mental recovery gap”—the time it takes for players to regain confidence after an injury—by 25% since 2022.

Injury Recovery Efforts by the Los Angeles Chargers Staff explores a high-profile recovery case: left tackle Rashawn Slater’s return from a torn ACL in 2022, which showcased the staff’s ability to handle major injuries. When Slater went down in Week 3, the staff immediately scheduled surgery with Dr. ElAttrache, then crafted a 12-month recovery plan that included three phases: post-surgery rest and inflammation reduction, strength building, and sport-specific drills. For the first six weeks, physical therapists focused on restoring range of motion in Slater’s knee, using manual manipulation and gentle exercises. By Week 10, Slater was using the anti-gravity treadmill to jog, and by Month 6, he was participating in light team drills. The staff also worked closely with the offensive line coaches to modify drills for Slater, ensuring he could practice without risking re-injury. Slater returned to the field in Week 1 of the 2023 season, playing all 68 offensive snaps in the opener—a testament to the staff’s work. “The Chargers’ staff didn’t just help me heal—they helped me come back better,” Slater said. “Every step of the way, they explained the plan, listened to my concerns, and adjusted when needed. I couldn’t have done it without them.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Slater’s recovery became a model for how to handle major injuries—proving that patience and precision pay off.

Injury Recovery Efforts by the Los Angeles Chargers Staff concludes with the staff’s post-recovery maintenance plan— a critical step that prevents re-injury and keeps players healthy long-term. Once a player returns to the field, the staff doesn’t step back; instead, they continue to monitor their progress with weekly check-ins, modified practice loads, and personalized strength routines. For example, after Pipkins returned from his knee sprain in Week 16, the staff limited his reps in full-contact drills for two weeks, focusing instead on individual technique work to reduce strain on his knee. They also added a 15-minute pre-practice stretching routine to his schedule, targeting the muscles around his knee to improve stability. The staff also works with the coaching staff to manage players’ snap counts, ensuring they don’t get overworked. “Recovery doesn’t end when a player steps back on the field,” McMahon said. “It’s an ongoing process. We need to make sure they stay healthy for the entire season, not just one game.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this commitment to post-recovery care has paid off: the team’s re-injury rate is 18% lower than the league average, a statistic that has helped them stay competitive in tight divisional races. In the end, Injury Recovery Efforts by the Los Angeles Chargers Staff is a tribute to a team that views player health as a priority, not a secondary concern—proving that a strong staff is just as important as talented players in building a winning franchise.