By Dr. Keith Barry
As summer finally arrives so too does the soccer season. Soccer is now the most popular sport amongst Canadian children. With the sharp twists and turns of soccer comes an increased risk of lower extremity injuries. Young girls in particular have a significantly increased risk of ACL injuries.
An ACL tear is a season-ending, potentially surgical knee, that can lead to permanent knee damage. Several exercise programs have been developed to help prevent ACL injuries and I encourage all young athletes (not just soccer) to take part in one.
A physiotherapist can assist with such a program. FIFA 11+ is an exercise/warm-up program designed to help prevent soccer injuries. This is applicable to all soccer players but is particularly important for adolescent females given their elevated risk. The program can be found here: FIFA 11+ – FIFA Medical Platform (fifamedicalnetwork.com)
Reference: Pimlott, N and Carson, J. Canadian Family Physician. Vol 60. May 2014. Page 404
