Why are ACL injuries so common amongst youth athletes?
The good ol’ ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), is a powerful and important ligament, and unfortunately a frequent injury for many athletes — especially youth athletes. One theory is that young athletes are simply still growing, and their bones, muscles, and ligaments are not yet fully developed. This means that their joints are more vulnerable to injury and less able to handle the stresses of certain sports and activities.
From a physical therapy perspective, a major problem arrives after that ACL injury and surgery, because there is so much pressure and eagerness to get back on the field. But, if young athletes return to their game without proper strength and mobility training, they’re at a massive risk of re-injury. We saw this happen so frequently that we had to start our own practice and try to stop it!
We know that the pressure to return to the sport can come from a variety of places - coaches, parents, or teammates, and simply because all athletes want to get back to their sport as soon as possible. But the fact remains: returning to the game too soon can put the athlete at risk for further injury, especially if they haven't fully regained their strength, range of motion, and neuromuscular control for the chaos of in-game environments.
Additionally, young athletes may not have the same level of experience or training as older athletes, which can make them more prone to making mistakes or overexerting themselves during sports and activities. They may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors or ignore warning signs of injury, such as pain or swelling.
Finally, certain sports and activities are simply more high-risk for ACL injuries than others. Sports that involve jumping, landing, cutting, pivoting, or sudden changes in direction are particularly risky for ACL injuries, and young athletes who participate in these sports may be more likely to experience an ACL injury or re-injury.
Overall, preventing ACL re-injuries in youth athletes requires a combination of proper training, education, rehabilitation, and monitoring. Young athletes should be encouraged to take their time during the recovery process, to listen to their bodies, and to work with their coaches and healthcare providers to reduce their risk of further injury.
Our ACL recovery program looks different for a reason. We take training further than traditional PT in order to mimic the specific environment of that athlete’s primary sport. With dedicated practice, they will train smarter, safer, and get back in the game stronger than before. Call us or schedule an appointment for details!
