The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the femur and the tibia in the knee joint and is a common site for injuries among athletes of all ages. These injuries can result from either contact or non-contact mechanisms and involve an irregular pivoting motion. They usually require extensive rehabilitation that takes nine to 12 months to complete, which can result in a heavy mental toll on the athlete.

As an athlete who has torn her own ACL, I have firsthand experience with the psychological battle that this rehabilitation process consists of. I struggled with my identity as an athlete, guilt of not being able to fulfill my role and the frustration of my body not working like it was supposed to. I had to relearn how to lift my leg, walk, jump and run, which was a truly humbling experience for someone who previously never had to give those things a second thought. Even after the rehabilitation process was over, I struggled with my motivation to exercise, as my fear of reinjury was prominent and I felt like my body was weaker than it had ever been. Add all of this onto the plate of an already busy college student in the depths of her degree, and it is safe to say my mental health suffered a negative impact.

According to several studies, two-thirds of athletes that undergo this reconstruction do not reach their preinjury level of athleticism within the 12 month mark. This is due to lack of psychological readiness, fear of reinjury and a decreased desire to play. Another study found a correlation between perceived social support and psychological readiness to return to sport: athletes with higher perceived social support had lower levels of reinjury anxiety, and vice versa. While social support may not be the sole factor — the biopsychosocial model of injury suggests rate of healing and adherence to treatment plan are crucial — current research points to it being significant.

Social support is defined as the exchange of resources between individuals with the intent of helping one another. This can be physical resources like making food, driving and carrying items or soft resources like encouragement, laughter and grace. Because the rehabilitation process is so extensive and the probability for negative mental shifts is so high, it is imperative that ample social support is given to these individuals. They need to feel heard and understood and like they are capable of completing the daunting task ahead of them. They need to know people are pulling for them but also that help is available if they need it. This will reduce the stress and anxiety that is accompanied with the already chaotic life of a student-athlete and help aid in their recovery.

But how can we show this social support to injured athletes?  Here are 10 simple ways:

1. Send a simple text message letting them know you’re there for them.
2. If they’re on crutches, carry their backpack to class for them. Their shoulders are sore enough.
3. Offer to grab them food from the dining hall! Getting around isn’t as easy as it once was.
4. Write them notes/cards to help cheer them up.
5. Watch their favorite show with them to keep them company while they recover.
6. Check in with them frequently to see how they’re holding up.
7. Ask them where they’re at in their recovery. Talking about the process makes it that much easier. 
8. Walk slowly with them, at their pace.
9. Offer rides or to run errands for them.
10. Be a shoulder for them to cry on! The process is hard and they’ll need their village more than ever.

Elizabethtown College women’s soccer player, junior biology major Caleigh Bold, tore her ACL during an away game at Moravian during her first-year. She noted a relatively easy recovery process, but mentioned the added stress of having to go to physical therapy on top of already having to watch her team practice and having to complete school work.

“My parents did a lot for me,” Bold said. “And my roommates would push me around in a wheelchair during the first week to all of my classes. If I didn’t have this support system, I would’ve been miserable.”

Her teammate and current roommate, junior finance major Skylar Mumford, also tore her ACL that same year, but at an away game against Haverford.

“Having people around me, pushing me, even people relating to me, helped me immensely,” Mumford said. “And just having people in my life that I know cared about me did, too.”

I was fortunate to have an incredible support system that truly made all the difference in my recovery. My parents were vital in the weeks directly following surgery, my friends, boyfriend

and teammates kept my spirits up, and the Elizabethtown College athletic training staff (shout

out to Mark Eppley) was there with me every step of the way. The constant support, mentally

and physically, that was provided to me was a crucial aspect of my recovery, and I am incredibly

blessed to have received it.

For collegiate athletes, strong social support is essential to mental well-being throughout

their ACL recovery. It is important for teammates, athletic staff, friends and family to listen,

relate and care for these athletes during their time off the field, in hopes that their return is better than ever.