Females Are at Greater Risk for Some Sports Injuries Than Men
Research shows that women are more prone than men to certain sports injuries including ankle sprains, knee injuries such as ACL tears, and stress fractures. A variety of factors may be at play, including differences in hormone levels and body mechanics. Studies also find that women jump and move differently than men, which may contribute to increased injury risk.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS)
When the food and nutrients you consume are not sufficient to support your energy needs, you are underfueled. Training in an underfueled state for a prolonged time can lead to REDS. Formerly known as the female athlete triad, REDS is now recognized as a syndrome that affects health and performance. Metabolism, reproductive function, musculoskeletal health, immunity, cardiovascular health, and more can all be negatively affected by REDS. These health issues can increase the risk of injury, decrease sports performance, and negatively affect your well-being.
Team-Based Care for the Female Athlete
Our team includes experts in sports medicine, orthopaedics, physical therapy, women’s health, endocrinology, and nutrition to provide care for more than just your injury. We identify physical or psychological factors can be addressed to improve your overall health and reduce future injury risk. We individualize your care to meet your needs and ensure that you reach your athletic potential. Our areas of expertise include the following specialties.
Our primary care sports medicine providers not only have experience treating musculoskeletal conditions but can also provide comprehensive care for the female athlete. We identify risk factors for decreased performance and injury and treat new or ongoing sport-related medical conditions, ranging from iron deficiency to concussion. Our doctors coordinate care with specialists as needed. These include women’s health providers (ob-gyn specialists) and endocrinologists.
Our orthopaedic specialists address the full range of conditions including ACL tears; stress fractures; knee, shoulder, and hip pain and injury; and more. Nonsurgical approaches are typically our first recommendation, but if these treatments are not effective, our orthopaedic surgeons use the latest techniques to treat your injury and ensure you experience a fast and safe recovery.
Sports physical therapy can help you recover from injury and maximize your performance. We create personalized rehabilitation plans and strength and conditioning programs to address muscle imbalances, improve range of motion, and optimize movement. We also help you prevent future injuries by addressing known risk factors specific to female athletes and educating you about proper body mechanics relevant to your sport or activity.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
Pregnancy can change your posture and movement patterns. It can also weaken your pelvic floor muscles and cause urinary incontinence and other issues before and after you give birth. Our physical therapists perform movement screenings and strength, gait, and range-of-motion assessments to ensure you are performing your activities optimally to minimize risk of injury. We create training programs that strengthen your pelvic floor and allow you to return to your sport safely after pregnancy. If needed, you may also work with a nutritionist to ensure you are eating right during pregnancy.
Improving Your Sports Performance
Helping you achieve your highest athletic potential is one of our goals. The experts in Duke Sports Performance offer VO2 max testing, lactate threshold evaluations, and sports-specific movement screenings. We also offer programs to help you maximize your athletic potential while reducing your risk of injury. Services include speed and agility training, strength and conditioning, skill training for your sport, and more.
