Free ACL Injury Screenings Offered At Accelerated Physical Therapy Centers

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As basketball season starts up, youth athletes should beware of potentially season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.  Injuries to the ACL are on the rise among young athletes.  One study shows a 400 percent increase in sports-related knee injuries over the past 10 years, raising a red flag among physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers. Experts say that girls are more likely to sustain an ACL tear than their male counterparts.

The ACL is a ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and the ACL's main function is to stabilize the knee and prevent rotational stress and forward movement of the lower leg.

Concerned about the young athletes' knee health, Accelerated Physical Therapy is now offering free* ACL screens to Illinois and Northwest Indiana athletes who are at risk for ACL injuries.  Typically, these are athletes who play basketball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, football and volleyball.  These athletes use movements such as planting, pivoting and acceleration followed by deceleration.

During the free* ACL injury screens, Accelerated ACL specialists test for muscle strength, balance and instability issues, which help determine if an athlete is biomechanically prone (low, medium or high risk) to an ACL injury. If so, the athlete has the option of participating in a strength training prevention program. Studies show that a young athlete can reduce his/her risk of injury as much as 72 percent, especially among females, by adhering to a knee strengthening and conditioning program. 

The ACL injury screens are part of the Accelerated Physical Therapy 3P: Prevention, Progression and Performance ACL program. The 3P program specializes in preventing ACL injuries, rehabbing injuries and returning athletes with ACL injuries safely back to their sport.

After the screen, and depending on an athlete's injury risk, an Accelerated ACL specialist will provide an evaluation and recommended next steps, which may include an appointment with a board-certified physician and a physical therapy prevention program.

The Accelerated Free* ACL Injury Screen includes:

• Complimentary assessment by a certified physical therapist specializing in ACL prevention and treatment         
• Convenient, easy scheduling
• Written evaluation of findings
• Advice about exercises for health and wellness
• Recommended treatment options and course of care
• Physician referral if necessary

To schedule a Free* ACL Injury Screen, call 877-97-REHAB to schedule one at the clinic nearest you. Patients will receive an appointment within 48 hours.  

*not for federally funded payers

Contact: Ann Pitcher
P.S. Medical Marketing
630-234-4150

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SOURCE Accelerated Physical Therapy