The ACL has become a problem….
Or rather, the increased rate of injuries has!
Did you know that females are more likely to injure their ACLs compared to males?
ITS TRUE. It’s common to see this injury post puberty in adolescent females, active midlife women and reinjury of the knee is probable as well if not managed correctly.
There are many reasons for this, let’s break these down over the next few days AND discuss prevention and solutions for this common problem!
Why are females more likely to tear an ACL?
Alright so let’s breakdown a few of the WHYS behind my statement yesterday that FEMALES ARE MOST LIKELY TO TEAR AN ACL THAN MALES.
Pelvis structure: As women, we have a wider hip set than men, creating a greater Q angle at the knees. What this means is that women are more likely to experience things like the knees going inward and lack of control within this motion. It happens naturally and shouldn’t be feared….instead UTILIZED.
Puberty: When girls hit puberty, we start to see a shift in body shape. We also see a disconnect being body and mind during this time as their body changes and the mind tries to adapt with it. This disconnect can cause girls to experience instability, change in landing mechanics and more. This opens them up to injury. Again, this time shouldn’t be feared, instead harnessed and capitalized on!
Menstrual cycle: A naturally cycling female will experience ups and downs in their hormones throughout their cycle. There will be times where she is more positioned to work on technical aspects versus power versus strength. Again, let’s utilize this in order to optimize performance and put overwriting and injury.
So what do we do to PREVENT a potential injury. Now, everyday life happens; however, there are a few key considerations we can implement to help. I covered all of this in my recent Instagram live, so have a listen.
A post shared by Cassandra McCoy MAT, LAT, ATC (@womenshealthathletictrainer)
Want to get stronger? Learn how to lift smarter, safer and effectively? Join the waitlist for the next round of the Positively Strong Program! This 3 month program is only hosted a few times a year to ensure the woman who sign up get exclusive attention. Fill out this form to be the FIRST to recieve an email when pre-registrstion opens!
