Rehabilitation and Return to Sport of Female Athletes
Arianna L. Gianakos, Adam Abdelmoneim, Gino Kerkhoffs, Mary K. Mulcahey
Abstract
The increase in female participation in athletics over the past decade has been accompanied by an increase in injury rates as a result of higher demands placed on athletes. Although previous studies have shown that anatomic, biomechanical, hormonal, and psychological factors may play a role in differences between men and women that can influence injury risk in athletes, there is still a lack of understanding of sex-related mechanisms of injury, guidelines, and prevention strategies. This article provides an overview of common injuries affecting female athletes. We present guidelines for upper- and lower-extremity injury rehabilitation, focusing on considerations specific to the female athlete with the goal to facilitate a safe return to sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.