Return to Play: ACL Transitional Program

Program assists athletes returning to athletic activities following ACL reconstructive surgery and post-operative physical therapy. NOTE: Requires Orthopedic Surgeon clearance for patient to engage in running and jumping activities.

Program Objectives

• Strengthen and lengthen quads and hamstrings
• Improve jump and landings
• Increase fast twitch muscle strength of legs
• Improve core/trunk strength
• Improve running speed
• Improve athletic agility

High School Performance Enhancement Programs: Return to Play: ACL Transitional Program Ankle Plyometrics and Agility Program EXCEL: Building the Athletic Knee Runner’s Conditioning Program Sport Specific Performance Program The Throwing Athlete Conditioning Program

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Program Focus

• Train out injury causing habits
• Strengthen legs
• Jump and land training for improved balance and safety
• Learning the three-step cut to decelerate
• Retrain quads and hamstrings to fire at a more appropriate ratio to reduce strain on the ACL
• Work with each athlete to decrease ACL demands during activities performed in their primary sport.

Program Provides

• Pre and Post Video Analysis Testing of each athlete in vertical jump height and leg press test
• Three times per week, one-hour sessions for six weeks
• Home Exercise Program for “off day” training
• Education on the role of knee anatomy in overall sports activities
• Two additional weeks of Speed and Agility Training (three one-hour sessions per week)