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HOW TO DECREASE ACL INJURIES IN FEMALE TEEN-ATHLETES

July 10, 2022

Did you know adolescent female athletes are up to eight times more likely to tear their ACL than males? Are you aware that there are proven methods for reducing this risk and enhancing performance simultaneously? Physical therapists are highly trained at identifying which athletes may be susceptible to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and can provide the athlete with the tools to reduce these risks.

At Rose City Physical Therapy and Hand Therapy Specialists, our physical therapists will perform a comprehensive analysis focusing on assessing the athlete’s ability to produce controlled movement through coordinated muscle activity (i.e., neuromuscular control). Research has shown that programs that emphasize neuromuscular control reduce the risk of tearing the (ACL).

If you’re interested in helping your teenage athlete maximize their potential and minimize their risk of ACL injury, contact Rose City Physical Therapy today and schedule an assessment with one of our specialists. Rose City Physical Therapy is a Sportsmetrics certified site. Sportsmetrics is the first and largest ACL injury prevention program and scientifically proven to decrease injury. Our physical therapists will identify any risk factors associated with tearing the ACL and provide a proven program of exercises to minimize these risks and maximize their results! We provide Portland’s most comprehensive evidence-based assessment, testing and rehab program for ACL injuries.

What are the risk factors for female ACL injuries?

Female athletes tear their ACLs significantly higher than males of the same age. Certain sports increase the risk of injury; they include:

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Lacrosse
  • Skiing

The inability to control movement through the variety of activities typical in sports appears to be the most important reason for the higher rate of ACL injuries in females compared to males. Females are less effective in stiffening their knees using contraction of the knee’s hamstring musculature. This inability to achieve a maximum contraction of the hamstring significantly decreases their ability to control the forward movement of the thigh bone over the shin bone, resulting in the ACL injury. Females tend to be quadricep dominant versus males which further limits the hamstring, which is the guardian of the ACL.

Females tend to demonstrate altered movements and muscle contractions before the injury. In addition, there are also indications that the sequence of muscle contraction may be limited or impaired in female athletes. The female athletes take significantly longer to generate maximum hamstring contraction, or their muscle recruitment order is markedly different. The most common recruitment seen is the quadriceps contracting instead of the hamstrings for initial knee stabilization/control.

The typical mechanism of injury is a quick but awkward stop, such as landing from a jump or a sharp cut to change direction. It is also typical for deceleration type of movement or anticipation of lateral movements to result in injury to the ACL. Without the ability to coordinate muscle contraction to control movement during these activities, the female athlete is more likely to get injured.

Regardless of the limitations and restrictions your athlete may have, our team of physical therapists can help. We will assess the athletes’ ability to control movement, test the factors contributing to injury, and provide instruction in proper movement and exercises to maximize their ability and minimize the risk of injury!

How physical therapy can help reduce the risk of ACL injury

ACL injury reduction programs such as Sportsmetrics decrease risk of reinjury by 40-65%. Our physical therapists help these female athletes in a variety of ways. We will start with a biomechanical assessment and a movement screen to identify all the factors that may put them at risk for an ACL injury. We will also check strength, balance, and coordination through this assessment to give a complete picture of the athlete and her abilities.

We will use this information to develop a comprehensive program that includes strength training, plyometrics, balance training, and coordination drills. We will consistently monitor the athlete’s technique with feedback throughout to achieve the best possible results.

Your physical therapist will then incorporate sport-specific treatments to assist you in maximizing your training and preparing you for injury-free competition. Each program will include the “at-risk” situations for noncontact ACL injuries like how to properly decelerate, cut or change directions, and proper landing techniques.

Another benefit of ACL injury reduction programs is increased performance, including jump height, sprint time, running economy, improved joint position and posture control, and strength. The only programs that have this added benefit are PEP and Sportsmetrics. As reported earlier, Rose City Physical Therapy is a certified Sportsmetrics site.

What to expect at the physical therapy session

Rehabilitation after injury or surgery is vital to recovery and decreasing re-injury, or injury to the opposite leg. Physical therapy is a valuable tool to use before surgery to ensure the athlete is prepared for the operation and the rehabilitation afterward. Physical therapy should start immediately following an ACL injury to ensure the fastest recovery possible.

A physical therapist with sports rehabilitation and treating ACLs will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and identify any other weaknesses or limitations that may affect recovery. This will consist of a thorough history to understand more about the training schedule for each sport they participate in and the athlete’s overall health status.

We will use this information to develop a comprehensive program that includes any appropriate pain relief technique for the individual athlete. We will build a program that gradually progresses in intensity using targeted hip and hamstring training, core stabilization, plyometrics, balance, agility, and neuromuscular training.

Next, we will focus on progressing your strength and dynamic stability to restore function and decrease risk of injuries. The emphasis will shift to work on balance and coordination exercises to stimulate the nervous system and help ensure you can cut, decelerate and land in the correct position to avoid an injury.

Finally, your therapist at Rose City Physical Therapy and Hand Therapy Specialists will create a targeted, individualized plan of care for you to continue on your own, including in-season training, to maximize your recovery and decrease future injuries and increase performance!

Request an appointment at Rose City Physical Therapy and Hand Therapy Specialists today!

The participation in sports by girls has increased dramatically in recent times resulting in more knee injuries, especially ACL tears. There are many possible factors related to ACL injuries, and the physical therapists at Rose City Physical Therapy and Hand Therapy Specialists know how to identify an athlete’s risks.

Request an appointment today, and let us help make sure your daughter is prepared to play!

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