BLOG: The surge of ACL injuries among professional women footballers

Women’s football has enjoyed its time on the centre stage in Australia over the past two months, providing some exciting storylines, with England’s trip to the final among them.

The tournament was a reflection of just how much women’s football has been flourishing in recent years, with a growing amount of what are now, household names, showcasing their skills on the global stage.

However, along with this rise in popularity, a concerning trend has emerged – a notable increase in ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries among professional women footballers.

So, is this just a spate of bad luck? Or are there any reasons that could be attributed to this alarming trend?

As the popularity and competition in women’s football grows, the intensity of matches and training sessions has also increased.

The level of athleticism and commitment required to succeed at the professional level has led players to push their physical limits.

The combination of high intensity matches and rigorous training regimes may contribute to a higher risk of ACL injuries due to the sudden changes in direction, pivoting, and abrupt stops that traditionally have led to such injuries.

It is often overlooked but the type of playing surface used during matches and training sessions can significantly impact the likelihood of ACL injuries.

Artificial turf, commonly used in many women’s football games, can be less forgiving than natural grass, potentially increasing the strain on players' joints.

Some research suggests that anatomical and biomechanical differences between men and women may contribute to the higher incidence of ACL injuries in female athletes.

CAuse of injury

Factors like hormonal fluctuations, differences in muscle activation patterns, and the alignment of the hip, knee, and ankle joints can make women more susceptible to ACL injuries, especially during high-stress situations on the field.

The strength and conditioning of women footballers has improved a great deal in recent years. But there are still some clubs who could do more for their athletes.

Comprehensive strength and conditioning programs play a crucial role in injury prevention and because of limited funding in certain areas, some women footballers might not have had access to optimal training facilities or lack the awareness of the importance of targeted conditioning to reduce injury risks.  

Modern women’s football has evolved rapidly, incorporating advanced tactics, techniques, and strategies. The speed and complexity of the game have increased, demanding split-second decision-making and lightning-fast reactions. This evolution may be placing additional stress on players’ bodies, making them more susceptible to ACL injuries when their movements are compromised.

Prevention of injury

As the sport gains prominence and competition intensifies, addressing this concerning trend becomes crucial – as the spate of recent injuries have proven.

By focusing on injury prevention strategies, biomechanical analysis, proper conditioning, and player education, the women's football community can work together to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries.

While prevention may not always be possible with injuries like the ACL, doing the right things and working on the right areas over time can certainly help to reduce the risk. Advice and tips on strengthening certain areas can make a massive difference to an athletes chances of not suffering an injury with such a long recovery period.

Optimum have plenty of experience in dealing with, treating and rehabbing ACL injuries and have worked with footballers and Olympians, among others, to get back to their best after serious knee injuries.

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