Published: July 19, 2012
Categories:
As any fan of Derrick Rose can tell you, an injury to the ACL can be devastating and season-ending. With basketball season back in high gear, two of ATI’s physical therapists and Sportsmetrics™ trainers, Chris and Julie Barker, offer these ACL injury prevention tips to keep your knees in tip-top shape:
- Learn proper body mechanics and address strength deficits. In particular, Chris recommends focusing on strengthening hamstring and core muscles.
- Because females have wider hips than males and more joint laxity, their knees are more likely to buckle in or bow out when jumping and landing. Julie says females need to focus on bending their knees straight ahead when landing.
- Injuries often occur when players plant a foot and quickly change direction. To minimize risk, don’t extend the leg too far away from you. The knee should remain over the ankle joint.
- Engage in plyometric/jump training to learn proper technique and improve balance in strength from the front to the back of the thigh.
“It is important for coaches, parents and athletes to be aware of ACL injuries, especially young female athletes who are at most risk,” says Chris Barker, DPT, Clinic Director of ATI Physical Therapy’s Alsip, IL clinic. “The majority of ACL injuries can be prevented.”
ATI Physical Therapy is a Certified Clinical Site for the SportsMetrics™ program. For more information contact 708-824-6088.