ACL Injury Prevention & Recovery
- TTR Chiro
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
With long recovery times, intense rehab required, and risk of reinjury, no one wants to experience an ACL injury. That's why injury prevention is key, especially for athletes in a sport where ACL injuries are common, like soccer and lacrosse. At TTR, we focus on injury prevention treatments and strategies to keep you healthy all season long. And if you come to us with an ACL injury, we can help aid in recovery with that too!
Why Are ACL Injuries So Common in Soccer and Lacrosse?
Soccer and lacrosse demand quick cuts, sudden pivots, and explosive sprints—movements that put significant stress on the knees. One of the most feared injuries for athletes in these sports is an ACL tear, which can sideline a player for months and impact long-term performance.
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a key stabilizer in the knee, and it often tears due to sudden stops, rapid changes in direction, and high-impact collisions when there is muscle weakness and imbalance. Soccer and lacrosse players are at high risk due to the nature of the sports:
Quick Lateral Movements & Cutting: The sudden shifts in direction put excessive strain on the ACL.
Jumping & Landing Mechanics: Poor technique when landing can increase stress on the knees.
Physical Contact & Collisions: Defensive plays, tackles, and checks can cause awkward falls or knee hyperextensions.
Fatigue & Muscle Imbalances: Weakness in the hips, glutes, or core can lead to poor biomechanics, increasing injury risk.
Strength & Mobility Exercises to Protect the Knees
Injury prevention starts with proper strength and mobility training. We create custom treatment and exercise plans for our patients. Here are some of the key exercises we use to build knee stability and resilience:
Glute & Hip Strengthening: Strong hips and glutes help control knee alignment, reducing strain on the ACL. Exercises like lateral band walks and single-leg squats are essential.
Balance & Proprioception Drills: Improving stability with single-leg balance exercises and Bosu ball drills enhances body control.
Plyometric Training: Controlled jumping and landing mechanics are crucial for reducing knee stress. Box jumps and depth drops teach proper force absorption.
Hamstring & Quad Strengthening: A balanced strength program including Nordic hamstring curls and goblet squats helps support the knee joint.
Dynamic Stretching & Mobility Work: Enhancing hip, ankle, and knee mobility ensures smoother movement and decreases injury risk.
How Performance Chiropractic Enhances Recovery & Reduces Re-Injury Risk
If an athlete does suffer an ACL injury, proper recovery is key to getting back on the field safely. Performance chiropractic care plays an essential role in both rehabilitation and injury prevention:
Joint Manipulation: Proper mobility reduces compensatory movement patterns that can stress the knees.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release and dry needling improve circulation, reduce scar tissue, and accelerate healing.
Neuromuscular Re-education: Strengthening proper movement patterns post-injury helps athletes regain confidence and stability.
Customized Rehab Plans: Every athlete is different, and our recovery programs focus on personalized mobility, strength, and stability drills to reduce re-injury risk.
Stay Strong, Stay Agile, Stay in the Game
ACL injuries don’t have to be an inevitable part of sports. With the right prevention strategies, strength training, and recovery methods, athletes can stay on the field longer and play with confidence.
Don’t wait until an injury happens—take control of your performance today. Schedule an injury prevention session and keep your game strong!
Recover faster. Perform better.
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