Women in Football: Are Female Footballers More Susceptible To Injury?

Football as a sport for women is continuing to gain momentum and becoming an ever-increasing first choice of sport for young girls.

In fact, FIFA reports that 12% of the footballing population is female, which equates to approximately 30 million players. Numbers grew by 50% between 2000 and 2006 alone.

The first women’s World Cup was held in 1991 and since 1994 women’s football has been a part of the Olympic Games. The 2015 Women’s World Cup held in Canada was the first to have 24 teams, eight more than the previous World Cup. In terms of player numbers, Australia ranks fifth in the world for both total registered female footballers and female youth footballers behind USA, Germany, Canada and Sweden. In male football Australia’s numbers are not in the top 10.

Although men and women both play football under the same rules with the same skill sets required, injury trends are starting to develop which highlight the difference between male and female footballers.  Generally female footballers experience a significantly lower number of injuries per playing/training hours compared to male counterparts. However, one big difference is that female footballers are sustaining a large amount of knee injuries.

SSFA women

Studies report that women are four times more likely to injure their knee than men. The most significant knee injury that women sustain is a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This is a serious injury that requires surgery and a rehabilitation period of around 12 months to recover. Studies report women are up to ten times more likely to rupture their ACL than men. Female footballers also suffer from irritation around the knee cap (patella), however this injury is less debilitating.

Why is this?

There are many factors that predispose women to knee injuries, however no definitive cause. Some of the factors include:

  • ~ Joint laxity
  • ~ Hormones
  • ~ Limb alignment (valgus)
  • ~ Ligament size (ACL thickness)
  • ~ Muscle activation and control

Some of these factors are uncontrollable however limb alignment and muscle activation/control are two factors that we have some control over. But what does this actually mean?

Women have a wider hips than men which means the leg’s angle into the knee is wider. This puts the knees at a disadvantage and in a position that leaves the knees vulnerable. Women are also generally weaker in their gluteal (bottom) muscles and hamstrings. More specifically the gluteus medius muscle which is a stabiliser of the hip and prevents the knee falling inwards during running and landing is often under-developed in female athletes.

Recent research by Holly Silvers at the University of Santa Monica has also found that men and women jump and land differently, mainly due to muscle activation patterns. To simplify it men tend use both their quadriceps and gluteus muscles when then jump and land, whereas women are very quadriceps dominant, putting a lot more force through their knees.

How can we change this?

Through biomechanical assessment of running, jumping and squatting techniques we are able to identify areas of weakness and develop strategies to improve them. This can be done quite simply by one of the Physiotherapists at Jubilee. Once assessed, a series of exercises can be prescribed to better prepare the body for the physical demands of the game.

More importantly, the implementation of a warm-up that adequately prepares a female player for not only an improved performance on the pitch but also reduces the inherent risk of injury. Developed and studied by the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC), the FIFA 11+ injury prevention program has been proven in multiple research studies worldwide to significantly reduce injuries and enhance performance.

FIFA 11+

The FIFA 11+ warm-up has been shown to substantially reduce major injuries, particularly in females between the ages of 13-18, by 50% and a reduction of 39% of overall injury incidence in recreational/sub-elite football.

The program is only effective when the warm-up exercises are performed regularly, at least twice a week. Compliance is of utmost importance—injury risk is lowest in those players with higher adherence to the program.

For more information regarding management of female footballers’ injuries or prevention of these injuries contact one of the Physiotherapists at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy.

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I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
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I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
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Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
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The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
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The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
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I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
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Michael and his team are the best. So professional and knowledgeable and have kept me moving for years.
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I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
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Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
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Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
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"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
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I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
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The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
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01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
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The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
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