physiotherapy-center-Injury-Prevention-physio-in-the-six-etobicoke-on

Injury Prevention In Etobicoke, ON

How Physiotherapy Can Help You Prevent an ACL Injury!

Did you know adolescent female athletes are up to eight times more likely to tear their ACL than adolescent males? Fortunately, this has been extensively researched and there are proven methods for reducing this risk and enhancing your function and sports performance simultaneously.

Our physiotherapists are highly trained in identifying who may be susceptible to an ACL injury and can provide the tools to reduce these risks.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common knee injuries in athletes of all levels and ages. Specific sports can put you at a disadvantage to injuring your ACL, however, it is not the only mechanism. Our physiotherapists can teach you how to minimize risks no matter what activities or sports you enjoy.

We will perform a comprehensive analysis focusing on assessing the individual’s ability to produce controlled movement through coordinated muscle activity (i.e., neuromuscular control).

Research has shown that programs emphasizing neuromuscular control reduce the risk of tearing the anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL).

If you’re interested in minimizing the risk of an ACL injury, contact Physio In The Six Inc. today and schedule an assessment with one of our specialists.

Our physiotherapists 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!

What are the risk factors for ACL injuries?

physiotherapy-center-Injury-Prevention-physio-in-the-six-etobicoke-on

The inability to control the stress placed on the knee through the variety of movements in sports appears to be the most prevalent reason for the higher rate of ACL injuries, and even more so in females.

The inability to achieve a maximum contraction to straighten the knee significantly decreases the ability to control the forward movement of the thigh bone over the shin bone. Studies show females are less effective in activating these muscles and therefore are more susceptible to sustaining an ACL injury.

Most ACL injuries (tears) occur from a quick abrupt stop during running, or a twisting/pivoting motion. Awkwardly landing from a jump or a sharp cut to change direction is the exact mechanism that will result in a tear of the ACL. Deceleration (slowing) type movements combined with the lack of effective coordination of the muscles’ contractions will predispose an individual to an injury to the ACL.

Statistics suggest women are up to eight times more likely to tear the ACL, than boys/men. Some possible, although not conclusive, reasons for females be more susceptible to injury, include:

  • Hormonal differences: Generally, hormonal differences are considered a “trend,” not a causative reason. This means hormonal differences contribute to the higher incidents but cannot be considered a true “cause” itself.
  • Femoral notch differences: Regardless of gender the anatomy of the femur bone can predispose you to an ACL injury. Essentially smaller notches (i.e., the area where the ACL attaches to the bone) have an increased rate of injury.
  • The knee joint structure: Individuals with a greater range of motion and less muscle mass around the knee tend to have looser joints and more instability. Again, these factors are not causative factors rather contributing factors.
  • Weak core: If the leg muscles are strong, yet the core muscles (i.e., abdominals, hip/pelvis, and back muscles) are weak, the base of control imbalances will make it difficult to adequately stabilize the lower extremities during dynamic movements. Unfortunately, this core weakness sets the stage for injury.

Regardless of the limitations and restrictions, our physiotherapists can help. We will assess your ability to control movements and provide preventative drills and exercises to maximize your ability and minimize the risk of injury!

How ACL prevention programs help reduce the risk of injury

Our physiotherapists will start with a biomechanical assessment and a movement screen to identify all the factors that may put you at risk for an ACL injury.

Through this assessment, we will also check strength, balance, and coordination to give a complete picture of the individual and their abilities.

We will use this information to develop a comprehensive program emphasizing hip and hamstring training, core stabilization, and neuromuscular training.

Next, we will focus on progressing your strength and dynamic stability to restore function and prevent injuries. The emphasis will shift to work on balance and coordination exercises to stimulate the nervous system.

Your physiotherapist will then incorporate activity/sport-specific treatments to assist you in maximizing your training and preparing you for injury-free participation. Each program will include training on how to safely decelerate, cut, and change directions, as well as teach correct landing techniques.

Finally, your therapist at Physio In The Six Inc. will create a targeted, individualized plan of care for you to continue on your own, including in-season training, to maximize your recovery and prevent future injuries!

Find out more about Physio In The Six Inc. ACL prevention programs today!

There are many possible factors related to ACL injuries, and our physiotherapists at Physio In The Six Inc. know exactly how to identify these predispositions and develop programs to prevent injuries.

Request an appointment today, and learn more about our ACL prevention programs!

Your Next Steps…

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

FEEL GREAT THROUGH ALL STAGES OF LIFE! GET STARTED TODAY!