How a Warm-Up Routine Can Save Your Knees by Gretchen Reynolds

Summarized by AJ Fenske, 4/24/2014 For anyone who’s torn their A.C.L. or another sports-related knee injury, this article is the one you wish you had read and implemented at the beginning of that fated season.  A.C.L. injuries are most common in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and even skiing. Players of these sports would benefit the most from neuromuscular training specifically designed to prevent A.C.L. tears. According to Reynolds’s article and the linked video demonstrations, most of the exercises ­focus on the alignment of leg joints and a straight spine during activities and emphasize warming up of the muscles that control the knees.  These muscles, when properly warmed up by the training, will help players move sideways quickly change direction, or land safely in unanticipated ways, such as when a player is knocked over or slips. But Reynolds’s most astounding find is that, where these exercises have been implemented, the number of A.C.L. injuries has been cut in half.  With increased awareness, hopefully these simple exercises will be implemented by players, teams, coaches, and schools all across America. According to Reynolds’s sources, one A.C.L. injury,ms related medical costs, including surgery and physical therapy, is close to $15,000!Pain and inconvenience of the injury aside, it seems that this figure would be enough for any parent to petition a coach to use these exercises, or a coach to petition their school board for the trifling extra funds to implement this training. Reynolds’s sources worked out the cost to about $1.25 for each player each year, given that little equipment is needed and much of the instruction is available for free online. But just like any exercise, they must be taught and performed properly in order to not risk injury even during the warm-up. Click through the link to read the full article and watch the sample videos of the exercises, which are provided for free on YouTube and Vimeo by the PEP, or Prevent Injury, Enhance Performance program, and the FIFA 11 Program.Link’sTo see the full article and videos click here.

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