Return to Sport Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Women's Lacrosse

Participation in women’s lacrosse has increased in popularity over the last 20 years with a subsequent rise in sports-related injuries. Despite this increase, there is a paucity of research examining this population, particularly regarding guidelines for safe return to lacrosse after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.  A lacrosse-specific functional rehabilitation program is critical to the success of the athlete.  The athlete must be prepared and demonstrate the ability to cut, pivot, jump, pass, and shoot with the incidental contact required for sport clearance.  A criterion-based program delineating a progression of range of motion, mobility, strength, neuromuscular control, agility, and cardiovascular training is an essential part of ACL rehabilitation.  Early incorporation of lacrosse-specific skills emphasizing multiplanar neuromuscular control should gradually progress to more challenging field-based tasks as the athlete transitions through their rehabilitation program.  A multidisciplinary team of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning specialists, coaches, and parents must collaborate effectively to reduce the athlete’s risk for reinjury, meet the demands of the sport, and facilitate returning to the field without complications. Associated video content