reimagining ACL recovery
ABOUT
My Site is dedicated to a capstone senior research project focused on ACL recovery in high school and college level athletes through the biopsychosocial method. It has been recognized that physiotherapists lack the understanding and the knowledge that is needed to apply the biopsychosocial method while assisting in an athlete's ACL rehabilitation. My goal for this project is to bring awareness to the need for clinical practices to fully adopt the biopsychosocial model when treating athletes recovering from major injuries. This model offers a holistic approach that centers the patient’s perspective and uses patient-reported outcomes to guide care, ultimately supporting longer, happier athletic careers and healthier returns to sport. Research shows that many physiotherapists still lack the training needed to apply this method effectively, and that failing to recognize or properly manage psychological and social factors can lead to long-term issues, including fear of re-injury. Through this project, I hope to highlight these gaps and advocate for more comprehensive, patient-centered rehabilitation in sports medicine.
CURRENT STATISTICS
Studies show promising outcomes for athletes following ACL reconstruction. About 60–70% of athletes successfully return to their preinjury sport, and female athletes who report higher psychological readiness and confidence are nearly twice as likely to return. Athletes with strong social support and effective coping strategies report smoother recoveries, less fear of re-injury, and higher overall satisfaction, demonstrating the benefits of addressing both physical and psychosocial factors in rehabilitation.
ROAD TO RECOVERY
Alexis Stucky - season ending ACL and MCL tear returned as starting setter a year after injury
It is important to incorporate the pyschosocial factors into recovery because it promotes joint-decision making, including the athlete and giving them control over their own recovery process, which encourages the athlete to be more proactive about their rehabilitation.
Alex Morgan - tore her ACL her senior year of high school and is now a 2x World Cup Champion and Gold Medalist
The reoccurring theme that is seen in athlete's recovering from an ACL injury is the reduced psychological well being, fear of re-injury, and issues with their identity. After Alex Morgan suffered her ACL injury her senior season that could have been career ending, she persevered and was recovered in time to play her freshman year at the University of California. She didn't let her injury derail her dreams; although, it wasn't easy, she says that she took her recovery seriously, with positivity and passion in order to bounce back to her previous level of performance.
Kylie Ohlmiller - tore her ACL, MCL, and both lateral and medial menisci in her semifinal game with the Team USA Women's Lacrosse Team and was back on the field a year later
The social component of the biopsychosocial model looks at the support an athlete receives from family, friends, coaches, and healthcare providers. Strong social support can boost motivation, reduce stress, and improve consistency in rehab. Including this factor is essential because athletes who feel supported often recover more confidently, return to sport more successfully, and are better equipped to handle the emotional challenges of long-term injuries. Ohlmiller said that the thing that kept her the most motivated during her recovery was "the people I knew were waiting for me to get back on the field... It's the people that kept me going."