How to prevent ACL injury?
Preventing ACL injuries in youth athletes
Prevention programs are effective at decreasing ACL injuries by focusing on:
- Strengthening: Core, hip and thigh strengthening
- Technique: Maintaining proper technique when jumping, landing and cutting to change direction
- Balance: Practicing one-legged balance to protect the knee
- Stamina: Avoiding activity when they are fatigued because they put their knees in more dangerous positions
- Recovery: Giving the body breaks when possible, which can be difficult for year-round athletes
Author
Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA
Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.
