ACL - return to sport

[Smartie]

3 years ago, one of my team mates had a successful ACL reconstruction on her right knee, and has been given the all clear to return to football by her physiotherapist. This season I have tried to guide her slowly back into first training, and then competitive matches. She has been fine in terms of strength and confidence during training, but in match situations, she is still appearing to back out of challenges which I feel has led to a few knocks that she has taken this year.

What work would anyone suggest that I do with her in pre-season to try and encourage her confidence, as I have confidence in the strength of the graft itself, but worry that if she is not totally committed to challenges, she may cause herself another serious injury....

[fluffyangel]

Have you done any sports psych work with her?

[Smartie]

not really, I am not really too sure on what specific techniques I can use on her in terms of sports psychology as I havent used much of this in the past!

[fluffyangel]

I would presume from your previous post that it is that which is affecting her.  Maybe have a word with a Sports Psychologist if you are unsure...  Multi-disiplinary team and all that

[st1417]

Hi all,
from my perspective the rehab has not been completed until the therapist has challenged the client in a situation that closely mimics howthe injury occurred, whether it occurred in either open or closed chain will dictate the direction and progression of the treatment plan. Almost always there will be apprehension when dealing with extrinsic forces that are out of the control of the client. yes sports psych will help with most cleints, I work in association with a very good one when dealing with Pro sport but use my own skills when recreational athletes, whose expectations are different from the professional. Was the reconstruction natural or man made(had working history of both and natural was a lot quicker to full fitness). let us know how you get on,
ST1417