Female athletes face unique challenges throughout their lives — from navigating physical demands and body changes in youth sports to returning to activity after pregnancy and beyond. The WashU Medicine Female Athlete Program provides care for girls and women of all ages and activity levels.
About the Female Athlete Program
WashU Medicine physical therapy and orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive care for every female athlete, including exercise mechanics, nutrition, recovery, mental health and more. We see athletes of all ages and levels – from recreational to professional – who are dealing with musculoskeletal system problems. We address movement-related factors that contribute to pain, injury or performance issues, ensuring every athlete can move efficiently and confidently.
Injury Prevention and ACL Rehabilitation
Anterior cruciate (KROO-she-ate) ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and serious injuries in female athletes. WashU Medicine specialists emphasize prevention through movement screening, neuromuscular training and education. For those recovering from injury, our clinicians guide rehabilitation with personalized, goal-oriented care.
Other Conditions We Treat
Other conditions that the Female Athlete Program assists with include:
- Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs): A condition that happens when an athlete isn’t taking in enough energy (food) to support the amount of energy they’re using during training and daily life. This imbalance can affect bone health, hormones, mood and performance. Treatment focuses on nutrition, training adjustments and overall health support.
- Stress fractures or stress reactions: Small cracks or early signs of injury in a bone caused by repetitive stress, overtraining, or sudden increases in activity. These injuries are common in runners and jumping sports. They often cause pinpoint pain that gets worse with activity and better with rest.
- Pelvic dysfunction impacting activity: Problems with the muscles and joints of the pelvic region that can cause pain, leaking urine, core weakness or difficulty with certain movements. These issues can affect exercise tolerance, running form and overall performance.
- Pregnancy-related physical changes: Changes in posture, joint stability, muscle strength and core or pelvic floor function that occur during pregnancy and after childbirth. These changes can influence comfort, movement and return to sport.
Community Education and Outreach
Many of our physical therapists are proud members of the St. Louis Adolescent Female Sports Medicine Initiative (STLFSMI), a community effort to provide free online education on topics relevant to female athletes. From puberty to pregnancy and beyond, we aim to empower women with knowledge and tools for lifelong athletic health.
Why Choose WashU Medicine
WashU Medicine is advancing women’s sports medicine. With access to cutting-edge rehabilitation practices and the latest research, we help athletes reach their full potential safely and sustainably.
To schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, call 314-286-1578 or visit our website.
To schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, call 314-514-3565 or visit our website.