Prevent Now, Play for Life!

FOR INJURY IN FEMALE ATHLETES


· Inherent joint laxity

· Postural patterns and imbalances

  • Increased Q angle due to a wider pelvis structure causing genu valgum (knock knees)
  • Anterior pelvic tilt due to neuromuscular imbalances and tight hip flexors which increases genu recurvatum
  • Genu recurvatum (knee hyperextension) which places increased tension on the ACL
  • Pes Planus Foot Type (flat feet) which rotates the tibia internally placing increased stress on the ACL

· Strength imbalances of antagonistic knee and hip muscles (especially of hamstrings, quadriceps, and gluteal muscles)

· Decreased neuromuscular strength and coordination

· Poor planting, cutting, jumping, and landing biomechanics which place increased stress on knee structures

· Flexibility imbalances placing increased stress across knee structures