ACL Injury - Diary of a Female Athlete

The ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament is one of twocatcher, because the brace did not allow a full squat
major ligaments in the knee that are critical for lateralposition. That is something that has changed since
stability. ACL tears have been on the rise in femalesthe 80's. The braces are much less cumbersome and
since the 1980's. In fact, I was the first femaleallow for full range of motion. Oh, an I would have to
athlete in my high school to suffer an ACL injury andlearn to slide on my opposite side. The brace was
it seemed to snowball after that. The following is mymade of fiberglass and metal, so sliding on it was not
narrative of how I was injured and how I returned toan option. So it was that I now learned to pitch and
sports. Every case is different so if you suspect thatplay first base. No problem, I was back on the field
you have an ACL injury or any other injury, pleaseand back playing sports.
seek medical assistance.Basketball season came around again, and a funny
1986 was just like any other year except I was athing happened. The way I suffered my injury was
freshman in high school playing Varsity basketball.constantly on my mind. I knew my brace would
After the season I had the opportunity to try outprotect my knee, but the fear of suffering another
for the Junior Olympic Basketball team. This was aninjury was holding me back. This is very common
elite traveling team and competition for a spot wasamongst athletes. You will even see it on the
fierce. Each athlete showcased their talents and as Iprofessional level. I played basketball and softball for
went to do a layup, I heard something pop in mythe rest of my high school days and declined a
knee. It was when I landed on the floor that I knewsoftball scholarship at a local University. I wanted to
something was wrong. I did not have excruciatingstay active, so I played intramural sports.
pain, but I began to notice swelling almostI made sure to continue post-rehab work so my
immediately. My basketball days were over, for now.knee would never again fail. That's the point of this
The doctor pushed, pulled, and prodded, and thenarticle. When you tear your ACL you can never stop
confirmed on an MRI that I had torn my ACL andtaking care of yourself. Here is what I recommend:
that I would need surgery to repair it. My question1. Do not get hurt - Enroll in a Sports Performance
was when I could return to basketball. His answerprogram designed to make you stronger. This is the
was not what any athlete wanted to hear. I wouldbest investment you can make.
miss an entire season, and maybe by Spring I could2. Do not let the doctor push you out of rehab
play softball.before you feel ready. Some insurance companies
My surgery went well, but I suffered damage to mylimit the time you have for rehab. Try and extend it
patella, basically the kneecap and I had to haveif you can.
cartilage removed. I was in a full leg brace and in a lot3. Pay attention to the exercises you are performing,
of pain. A week passed and after seeing the doctoryou will need to continue them post-rehab.
again, we scheduled physical therapy. Now, back in4. Educate yourself. There are volumes of
1986, the protocol for ACL repair was almost a fullinformation about prevention and pre and post rehab
year of rehab after surgery. Now, since ACL repair isfor the ACL. I recommend the ACL book on website.
more advanced, the rehab usually takes less time. IDr. Steve is a great resource.
saw the physical therapist 3 days a week to start.5. Be committed to taking care of yourself. That
Then 2, then 1. It was as full 8 months of intensemeans, working out regularly, eating right, and taking
rehab. I was committed to at least making Springjoint supportive supplements like Glucosamine. I
softball a reality. My hard work paid off and afterrecommend the liquid natural form.
being custom fit for a knee brace, I made it for6. Do not forget to have fun.
Spring ball. But, I could no longer play the position of