PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE ATHLETES WITH ACL INJURY: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the main physiotherapeutic interventions used in high-performance athletes with ACL injuries. The research was conducted in the LILACS and MEDLINE databases via BVS and PUBMED, using the descriptors "Physiotherapy techniques," "Anterior cruciate ligament injury," and "Athletes." Articles published between 2014 and 2024, in Portuguese and English, and available in full text, were included. This study comprised six articles, revealing that treatment protocols for ACL injuries focus on periodization approaches, training load monitoring, implementation of preventive measures, and ensuring athletes have adequate time for rest and recovery. It was found that rehabilitation protocols following distinct and progressive phases yield satisfactory results. Supervised physiotherapy proved to be more effective than unsupervised therapy in muscle recovery, range of motion, symptom relief, and improvement of knee functionality, enabling a return to sport.