How Rezzil Index is used at Blackburn Rovers

Rezzil Index is a tool that harnesses the power of virtual reality (VR) to revolutionise rehabilitation protocols for athletes. It ensures players return to the field performing at their peak, bridging the gap between injury, and full recovery by integrating sports-specific actions in a virtual environment.

We recently sat down with Andy Procter, the Head of Medical at Blackburn Rovers, who shared his experience using Rezzil Index at Blackburn and how he started in the industry. 

The former Accrington, Bury, and Preston midfielder was inspired by his journey into physiotherapy with a severe injury at an early age that transcended into his career after retirement. He stated: “I took up physio because I snapped my cruciate at 21,” This experience fuelled his passion for rehabilitation, driving him to seek the most effective methods to help athletes recover.

His passion for rehabilitation was evident throughout as Procter emphasises that the goal of rehabilitation is not merely to get players back on the field but to ensure they return ready to perform. “As part of the rehab, if we can address any deficiencies they’ve got, maybe not even related to the injury they’ve got, then that’s obviously a big plus for us,” he added.

Through our work with Blackburn Rovers, Rezzil Index has been installed in the Blackburn training ground and according to Procter, Rezzil Index has delivered significant benefits for many key proponents in training including proprioception and balance training, which are pivotal elements in an athlete’s rehabilitation process. “I believe it’s a game-changer for proprioception and balance training, single leg stance, and more sort of patterning,” he notes.

By engaging players in football-specific movements in a safe, virtual environment, Rezzil Index helps them regain confidence and physical readiness. This approach allows athletes to perform sports-specific actions sooner than traditional methods might allow. “Actually, performing the action of kicking the ball prior to kicking the ball really helped,” Procter highlights.

Procter reinforces the growing evidence base supporting the use of VR in sports. He points out that Rezzil Index’s benefits extend beyond rehabilitation and can be used for skill development. Including elements such as scanning and perceptual-cognitive training, which provide players with the ability to engage in decision-making to maintain and even enhance their football-specific skills during rehabilitation. This approach ensures that players are not only physically prepared but also mentally sharp when they return to the pitch.

Further in the conversation, Procter stated that technology can play an important role in celebrating small milestones throughout the recovery process. He advised: “You’ve got to celebrate little wins,” he further added, “Students often can’t see the woods from the trees. So, you’ve actually got to look at the first time you come out of the brace. The first time you have the stitches removed. The first time you get in the gym, the first time you use potentially Rezzil. The first time you get on the pitch… They’re the little goals that you’ve got to establish”

By prioritising both physical and mental well-being through this holistic training approach, Procter stated players can experience increased motivation and a smoother recovery process.

We’re continuing to work with professional teams and we’re currently offering a free 30-day trial for professional sports teams. If you’re interested, you can apply here.