Getting the Athlete Back to Sport as Quickly as Possible following ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Description

This presentation features Julia Rapicavoli, a physical therapist and athletic trainer at the University of Miami. She discusses the rehabilitation process for athletes recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery, emphasizing the roles of a comprehensive sports medicine team that includes physicians, trainers, dieticians, and psychologists. Julia outlines the importance of prehabilitation, immediate post-operative care, and structured rehabilitation phases, which include early strengthening techniques like blood flow restriction training, gradual weight room activities, and cardio exercises. She shares the significance of the StARRT framework (Strategic Assessment of Risk and Risk Tolerance) to determine an athlete's readiness to return to sport, highlighting both quantitative and qualitative measures such as limb symmetry indices, landing mechanics, and athlete psychology. Julia emphasizes a collaborative approach involving regular communication among all team members to ensure the athlete's health and performance peak before returning to competition. The presentation concludes with an invitation for questions and a note on the importance of the topic, underscoring Julia's commitment to athlete care and rehabilitation.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210631

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