The ACL is one of the major bands of tissue (ligaments) connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) at the knee joint. It can tear if you:
Symptoms
Therapy will restore your muscle strength, agility, and balance, so you can return to your regular activities. Learn ways to modify your physical activity to put less stress on your knee.
ACL Return to Sports Series
Optimal offers the ACL return to sports series each fall and spring. “ACL injury prevention programs reduce the incidence of ACL injuries by at least 50% in a variety of sports, and should be used for all athletes.” research NCBI
Benefits:
Course Includes:
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a major ligament located in the center of the knee joint. The ACL is one of four ligaments that hold the bones within the knee together, keeping the knee stable when running, jumping, and landing during sports.
Approximately 200,000 ACL injuries are diagnosed in the United States each year. It is estimated that there are 95,000 ruptures of the ACL and 100,000 ACL reconstructions performed per year in the United States.
High school athletes have a higher risk of suffering an ACL injury as their bodies change and develop. Studies show that high school female athletes have a greater rate of ACL tears than do high school male athletes. Female athletes between ages 15 to 20 account for the most ACL injuries. Certain sports contribute to a higher risk of ACL tear: girls soccer, boys football, girls basketball, and boys and girls lacrosse.