06 — PREVENT
ACL prevention is trained before, during, and after return.
No programme completely removes risk. Regular preparation can nevertheless improve movement quality and tolerance to physical demands.
01
Trainable elements
A coherent programme combines strength, landing, braking, trunk stability, hip control, and exposure to speed.
- Learn to absorb force, then to produce it.
- Train changes of direction, including under fatigue.
- Repeat a brief, sport-specific warm-up regularly.
02
After an ACL tear
Secondary prevention is part of return to sport and continues afterwards.
- Do not stop strengthening once sport has resumed.
- Adapt load, sleep, and recovery during demanding periods.
- Reassess after a new giving-way episode or change in symptoms.
Medical notice
This educational resource does not provide a diagnosis and does not replace your doctor, surgeon, or physiotherapist. Seek prompt medical advice for unusual pain or swelling, locking, fever, calf pain, or loss of function.
Clinical references and resources