Following a wave of injuries this past weekend at the World Cup, Houston Methodist sports medicine experts are breaking down the rise in soccer injuries during such high-intensity competitions and how athletes can reduce their risk.

 

Soccer places significant strain on the body, especially the knees, because of constant cutting, pivoting, rapid changes in direction and frequent player contact. Tight turnaround between matches increases fatigue, which can drive up the risk of contact, and, especially, non-contact injuries such as muscle strains and ACL tears. Athletes also need to feel confident in their movement and stability, as hesitation or lack of trust in the injured area can lead to compensating patterns that increase the risk of reinjury.

 

 “Return to play is not just about how the knee looks. It is also about conditioning and confidence. If a player is not physically or mentally ready, they are at risk of further injury,” said Dr. Kyle Borque, orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist and team physician with the U.S. Soccer Federation. "Our job is to take care of the player, even when they want to push through. Sometimes that means helping them understand the long-term risks and when it is not the right decision to return."

 

Injury prevention strategies can make a measurable difference, the experts said. Programs focused on strength, coordination and neuromuscular control have been shown to significantly reduce ACL injuries, while dynamic warmups and consistent conditioning help prepare the body for play. Physical therapy also plays a key role in recovery, with a focus on rebuilding strength, restoring stability and helping athletes safely return to sport.

 

“Programs like the FIFA 11+ focus on dynamic warmups that build core stability, hip strength and overall control, which can help reduce the risk of injury,” said Scotty Wild, a physical therapist at Houston Methodist.

 

Houston Methodist sports medicine specialists are available to provide additional insight into injury prevention, recovery timelines and the physical demands of high-level soccer.

 

To schedule an interview with a Houston Methodist sports medicine specialist or other World Cup subject matter experts, contact Maryssa Silva, senior media relations specialist at Houston Methodist at 346-864-1699 or msilva@houstonmethodist.org.

 

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