ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament. It is one of four ligaments located at/around the knee joint to provide stabilization of the joint. Injury to the ACL can result in over-stretching of the ligament or partial/complete tear.

• Injury often occurs with participation primarily in non-contact sports that involve quick unexpected changes in direction, single leg jump landings, and twisting movements.
• Injury can also occur due to a strong blow to the outside of the knee (common in football or other contact sports) or with sudden hyperextension of the knee
• Participation in these sports and activities puts the participant at a higher risk for injury to the ACL

Learn to ID risk factors such as

• Hamstring tightness, quad weakness, flat feet
• Participation in high risk (pivoting) sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball
• Alignment of the knee joint inside of the feet with squatting, indicating decreased gluteal activation and abnormal tension/stress at the knee
• Excessive knee hyperextension and/or excessive joint mobility
• Highest incidence of 15-25 years of age, higher occurrence in female (2.4-9.7% greater risk than males)

Participate in sport screenings

• Designed to look at strength, flexibility and alignment during pre-season to ID areas to address to provide the knee with increased stability and better alignment

Pre-season prevention program

• Designed specifically for individuals at higher risk due to modifiable alignment, muscle control, and flexibility impairments
• Components
• Movement mechanics ID and review
• Proprioception/ balance training
• Plyometrics (increased recruitment with jump take-off and landing)
• Targeted strength training- gluteals, quad, hamstrings, calves
• Agility training

Goal of a prevention program

• Avoid vulnerable positions
• Increase flexibility and strength
• Improve proprioception and dynamic balance
• Improve running, jumping/landing, and pivoting technique

• Observation with sport specific activities- looking at balance, alignment and control
• Targeted exercise prescription to achieve/maintain good lower body mechanics and alignment
• Flexibility and warm-up programs to maximize performance
• Dynamic balance to improve foot and ankle stability
• Post surgical rehabilitation and return to sport decisions with recovery

Location(s): Burr Ridge, Naperville