For the past two decades, ACL injury prevention programs have been a strong focus in the field of sports medicine. Various programs have been created as a way to encourage and promote proper techniques for athletes who may be at high risk of sustaining an ACL injury. ACL prevention programs include targeted exercises that address muscle strengthening, muscle recruitment patterns, landing and deceleration patterns, proprioception, and plyometrics.
What is an ACL tear?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in the knee and can be injured or torn when it is harshly twisted in the wrong way. ACL tears are especially common in athletes, including those who participate in sports such as gymnastics, football, soccer, tennis, or downhill skiing. All these sports require sudden stops and changes in direction, making the risk higher for twisting the knee the wrong way and sustaining an ACL injury.
An ACL injury is painful and debilitating. Those suffering from this type of injury typically experience severe pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and instability when trying to bear weight. Fortunately, our Clearwater, Goddard and Cheney, KS physical therapy services can help prevent an ACL injury.
What goes into an ACL treatment?
Most ACL injury prevention program sessions last approximately 20-30 minutes, making it very easy to incorporate into a practice setting. If you are an athlete, you should strongly consider participating in an ACL injury prevention program, due to the overwhelmingly positive statistical evidence supporting their effectiveness.
In a study examining the effect of ACL injury prevention programs, female athletes demonstrated a reduced ACL injury risk of 52% after incorporating the program into their fitness regimens. Even better, male athletes demonstrated a reduced ACL injury risk of 85% after incorporating the program into their fitness regimens. With odds so good, why not start your prevention regimen today?!
Get started at Harter Physical Therapy today!
ACL prevention programs have been proven to work, helping athletes not only while they are on the field, but also while they are training. Our physical therapy practice is dedicated to helping athletes recover from ACL injuries, in addition to preventing further injury in the future. If you are interested in our ACL injury prevention program, contact Harter Physical Therapy today to find out how it can benefit you. Our dedicated Doctors of Physical Therapy in Clearwater, Goddard and Cheney, KS will get you started on your journey to reaching your optimum physical function!