THE MAIN PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES IN THE REHABILITATION OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES IN AMATEUR SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common among amateur soccer players and result in joint instability, pain, and functional limitations that compromise sports performance. Physical therapy plays an essential role in the rehabilitation of these individuals, using techniques aimed at restoring strength, stability, proprioception, and preventing new injuries. Objective: To identify the main physiotherapeutic techniques used in the rehabilitation of ACL injuries in amateur soccer players, highlighting their effectiveness and contribution to functional recovery. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, conducted between March and April 2026, in the SciELO, BVS, and PubMed databases. The descriptors "Football," "Athletes," "Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries," and "Rehabilitation" were used, combined using the Boolean operator AND. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, that addressed physiotherapy interventions aimed at amateur athletes were included. Data were collected through careful reading of the selected articles and subsequently organized into tables containing author, year, objective, methodology, results, and conclusion. The analysis was descriptive and comparative, grouping the studies according to the physiotherapy techniques addressed. Results and Discussion: The analyzed studies demonstrated that active protocols based on progressive muscle strengthening, functional training, proprioceptive exercises, and neuromuscular reeducation are superior to passive methods, resulting in significant improvement in joint stability and functional performance. It was identified that clinical discharge does not always equate to complete functional recovery, as athletes may present persistent deficits in muscle power even after returning to activities. In addition to physical aspects, the fear of a new injury was identified as the main psychological barrier that compromises the performance and confidence of the amateur athlete when returning to sports. Final Considerations: It is concluded that physical therapy plays an essential and global role in ACL rehabilitation, and should go beyond the isolated treatment of the joint to focus on functionality and prevention. The success of the process depends on individualized approaches that integrate biomechanical control with psychological support, ensuring a safe and effective transition to the practice of amateur soccer.