Force Plate Testing in San Diego: The Future of Sports Rehab and Athlete Performance
Force plate testing is the hot new buzz word around San Diego for sports rehab. As it should be, since it is does incredibly well at dialing in athletes exact percentages of power output, jump height, and any differences between side to side. This is crucial in sports rehab for both the physical therapist and the athlete in understanding why pain may be occurring, but also in showing progression hitting rehab goals.
Why San Diego Athletes Are Turning to Force Plate Testing for Recovery
1. Objective Data for Return-to-Sport Decisions
Force plates remove guesswork from “feels ready.”
You can objectively track left vs. right limb asymmetry (critical post-ACL, Achilles, ankle, or hip rehab).
Many protocols use thresholds, example: must be less than 10% asymmetry side to side before returning to sport.
Example:
A post-ACL athlete might show 17% less peak force or slower RFD on the surgical limb during a countermovement jump — even if manual strength testing looks symmetrical. **this athlete would not be ready for return to sport according to this test.
Tracks Progress Over Time
Repeat testing measures shows improvements in:
Power
Jump Height
Stability
Symmetry
Elasticity and reactivity
This lets you refine programming and prove outcomes to athletes, coaches, and referring providers.
This also is a great monthly maintenance option for athletes who want to track their progress for any competitions or races they may have coming up.
Injury Risk Screening
Force plate data can highlight deficits that precede injury, such as:
Low RFD (poor ability to absorb shock)
Asymmetrical loading
Delayed stabilization post-landing (great for testing single leg hop in runners)
These findings guide targeted prehab and strength interventions.
Force Plate Testing at Athletic Edge Physical Therapy, San Diego
There are many force plate testing companies out there, and at Athletic Edge Physical Therapy we use the VALD Force Plates. We align with this brand due to their solid foundation of resources and research backing each testing outcome. VALD utilizes a hub of sports rehab therapists and strength & conditioning coaches internationally, which then drives comparable data we test with.
Common testing measures used:
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Measures concentric power, RFD, and asymmetry
Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Measures max force output and rate of force development. Used often for back pain with deadlifts, or with power cleans.
Landing / Drop Jump Evaluates eccentric control and reactive strength index (RSI)
Single-Leg Jump / Hop Compares limb symmetry and reactivity
Squat or Split-Squat Analysis Evaluates load distribution and stability
Force Plate Testing in Sorrento Valley, San Diego
Force plate testing is becoming one of the most advanced tools in San Diego sports physical therapy, helping athletes return to competition faster and stronger. At Athletic Edge Physical Therapy, we don’t just rely on how an athlete feels — we use objective performance data to guide every stage of rehab and training. Our VALD Force Plate testing system measures power output, symmetry, rate of force development, and stability in real time, allowing us to pinpoint exactly how your body is performing and where it’s compensating. This level of precision means faster results, fewer setbacks, and a clearer path from injury to peak performance.
While most clinics base progress on manual strength testing or subjective feedback, we use data-driven insights to design your programming. Whether you’re coming off an ACL repair, rehabbing a running injury, or fine-tuning for competition, our force plate testing allows us to track measurable gains in power and balance — and prove you’re truly ready to return to sport. It’s the difference between guessing and knowing — and it’s what gives our athletes the edge.
Ready to test your power and symmetry?
Schedule your VALD Force Plate assessment at Athletic Edge Physical Therapy in Sorrento Valley, San Diego.
📞 Call 858-371-2575 or visit https://athleticedgept.janeapp.com/ to book your session.
