“Having to put a hold on lacrosse has definitely impacted my mental health because it’s hard watching your team play when you can’t.” Sophomore basketball and lacrosse player Lexy Koz said.

This winter sport season, there was a wave of injuries, specifically ACL tears. These injuries have a long recovery period. Most athletes have to undergo months of physical therapy and doctors’ visits before they can even start light activity. 

“It’s been hard at times to accept that I can’t play for about nine months, but I am able to work out and do other activities sooner which is helping keep me optimistic.” Junior hockey player Michaela McGoff said.

Along with the physical pain of an ACL tear also comes another big aspect: the mental challenge. Athletes not only have to overcome physical obstacles like gaining strength back in the injured leg, but they are also more susceptible to emotional obstacles. 

Recent studies show that athletes who suffer an ACL injury are prone to experience  depression, a fear of re-injury, decreased sport satisfaction and a higher academic test failure rate and lower GPA according to www.howardluksmd.com. 

“Luckily my injury was in the last game of the season but it was still a mental challenge and I have to work to stay positive.” Junior basketball player Maggie Mcguire said. 

Most torn ligaments, like the ACL, require surgery (especially in athletes) which often includes physical therapy. After surgery athletes are bed ridden for 1-2 weeks then usually start physical therapy which may continue for up to 6 months. Due to the long recovery process, this injury often puts a pin in patients’ future plans.

“I was supposed to go out of town for my senior spring break but now I can’t because I want to focus on my recovery which is definitely a little upsetting.” Senior basketball player Londyn Maples said.

With torn ligament injuries athletes may be out for up to 12 months, but most patients start to put weight on the leg and walk within 2-3 weeks. This helps strengthen the reconstructed ligament. This also helps keep these athletes on their feet and can help them stay positive.

With injury in athletes comes a long physical and mental recovery process. Injured athletes strive to be back on the court. They are young and in shape so they tend to recover faster or on the minimal side of the recovery timeline.