Apr 20, 2023

Knee Pain Relief

Are you aware that there are proven methods for reducing the risk of ACL injuries and enhancing performance simultaneously? Physical therapists are highly trained at identifying what athletes may be susceptible to an injury and can provide you and your adolescent with the tools to reduce these risks.

At Peak Performance Physical Therapy, 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 anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL).

How physical therapy can help reduce the risk of ACL injury

Our physical therapists help 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 the athlete 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 their 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.

What to expect at the physical therapy session

Rehabilitation after surgery is vital to recovery and preventing a 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 prevent 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 Peak Performance Physical Therapy 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!