Sports Therapy: A Torn ACL Doesn't Have To End A Basketball Player's Career
A torn anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is a nightmare scenario for any athlete and particularly devastating for basketball players. However, sports therapists can help active basketball players get back on their feet and minimize their recovery time.
The Complications of a Torn ACL for Basketball Players
The pressure basketball players put on their bodies is often severe every night, particularly on their legs. A torn ACL is a common injury that can cause many problems for basketball players. For example, a player who doesn't heal properly from a torn ACL may experience the following:
- Less control over their gait and struggle to jump to catch a ball
- Trouble getting enough speed on the court to compete with others
- Difficulties shooting correctly and getting the ball to hit the net consistently
These issues might end a promising player's career early or permanently alter it. However, a new range of sports therapy options has helped to give basketball players new hope for a strong career. These methods have become the new standard for treating ACL injuries in basketball players.
How Sports Therapy May Help
Sports therapists can quickly diagnose a torn ACL using various tools, like x-rays and MRI scanners, to gauge the intensity of a player's tear. In addition, they'll check for other injury issues, including tears to other tendons, that may further impact a player's recovery from a torn ACL.
After diagnosing a player's condition, sports therapists can provide multiple modes of care. Physical therapy includes various exercises that help to reduce pain and swelling and ensure that a knee retains its full range of motion. Braces during this recovery period help keep players protected and safe.
In some cases, this directed physical therapy over a year or so can help the ACL heal properly and give a player time to rest and recover. Therapists try this approach first to avoid invasive surgery and provide the player some time to recover naturally and through directed physical therapy.
However, surgery may be necessary if the tear is severe or the player wants to compete again quickly. Surgery may also help if multiple ligaments are injured or a previously healed ACL was set incorrectly. This surgery can help strengthen the ACL and minimize a player's suffering.
Help Is Available
When basketball players suffer a torn ACL, they should get to a doctor to diagnose the problem and get help. The quicker treatment is started, the easier it is to transition to therapy. Working with sports therapists should streamline this process and make it more efficient and effective.
For more information about sports therapy, contact a local doctor.
