Avoiding Sports Injuries

Posted on: March 21st, 2023 by Our Team

In 2019, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended “plyometric and strengthening exercises to reduce young athletes’ risks of being injured, and encourages coaches and school sports programs to learn about the benefits of this kind of neuromuscular training.”¹

What caused them to issue this recommendation? The noticeable increase in sports injuries among student athletes, especially among female athletes.

According to the AAP, “Female athletes between 15 and 20 years old account for the largest number of ACL injuries….Compared with boys, girls are more likely to have surgery and less likely to return to sports after an ACL injury.”

Working with student athletes is one of my passions, which is why I am excited to partner with Illinois Bone and Joint Institute’s Phase IV program.

The Illinois Bone & Joint Institute’s Phase IV Program is designed for patients with hip, knee, or ankle injuries who wish to continue advanced rehabilitation to facilitate return to sport and reduce the risk of re-injury. The evidence-based protocols will teach and cover multiple aspects of lower extremity conditioning including:

• Sport-specific strengthening
• Power production
• Explosiveness
• Plyometric and jump training
• Cutting and pivoting mechanics
• Techniques for reducing risk of re-injury

The Phase IV program is evidence based. A series of studies published by Dr. Noyes and researchers at the Noyes Knee Institute have shown that several sports-specific training programs were proven effective in improving athletic performance indicators.²

An ideal candidate for this program is

• Competitive and recreational athletes
• High school and collegiate post-injury ACL athletes
• Industrial athletes
• Weekend warriors

Baseline and Return-to-Sport Assessments are performed on each patient to ensure safe participation in the Phase IV Program, track each patient’s individual progress, and ensure a full and safe return to sport.

We are excited to offer this program and give athletes the opportunity to prevent injuries and to return to sports safely. If you are interested in the Phase IV Program, contact (800) 929-3520.

Dr. Ronak Patel is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon offering a full range of care for all knee and shoulder problems with a special interest in complex knee disorders.

References

1. www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/sports-injuries/Pages/ACL-Injuries.aspx
2. noyeskneeinstitute.com/acl-injury-prevention-and-athletic-performance-enhancement-programs-developed-at-noyes-knee-institute-proven-effective/