ACL Injuries: Lessons from the Winter Olympic Slopes to Everyday Sport

By Dr. Jo McFadgen, Chiropractor

When we think of ACL injuries, elite athletes often come to mind. One of the most high-profile examples is Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, who suffered multiple ACL tears during her career, including this year, at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Her story highlights just how demanding sport can be on the knee—and how even the strongest, best-trained bodies aren’t immune.

What is the ACL?

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the key stabilising ligaments of the knee. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and plays a crucial role in:

  • Preventing the shin from sliding forward

  • Controlling rotation of the knee

  • Providing stability during cutting, pivoting, jumping, and sudden stops

In simple terms, the ACL is a major “guide rope” that keeps the knee moving safely and efficiently under load.

How Does the ACL Get Injured?

ACL injuries usually occur without contact. Common mechanisms include:

  • Sudden changes in direction

  • Awkward landings from a jump

  • Rapid deceleration

  • Twisting on a planted foot

Sports Where ACL Injuries Are Common

ACL injuries are frequently seen in sports that involve pivoting, jumping, or rapid direction changes, such as:

  • Skiing & Snowboarding

  • Soccer

  • Netball

  • Basketball

  • Football (AFL, Rugby)

  • Gymnastics

How Hands-On Therapies Can Help

Recovery from an ACL injury is not one-size-fits-all. Whether managed surgically or conservatively, hands-on care plays an important role at every stage.

Physiotherapy

  • Restores strength, mobility, and knee stability

  • Retrains movement patterns and balance

  • Guides safe return to sport or activity

  • Reduces re-injury risk through proper loading and progression

Chiropractic Care

  • Addresses joint mechanics of the knee, hip, ankle, and spine

  • Improves movement efficiency and alignment

  • Reduces compensations that can overload the knee

  • Supports whole-body recovery, not just the injured ligament

Acupuncture

  • Helps reduce pain and inflammation

  • Improves circulation and tissue healing

  • Assists with muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation

  • Can be especially helpful in early recovery and pain-management phases

The Bigger Picture

With the right rehabilitation team and approach, an ACL injury doesn’t have to be the end of an active lifestyle—it can be the start of moving smarter, stronger, and more resilient than before.

Hi, I’m Dr. Johanna McFadgen, a chiropractor with over 18 years of experience, passionate about providing patient-centred, low-force chiropractic care.

I have a special interest in treating kids, families, and seniors, with a focus on paediatrics, pregnancy, peri-menopause, menopause, and geriatric care. I use gentle techniques such as Activator, Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), Webster’s Technique, and acupuncture, always tailoring my care to meet each patient’s unique needs.