Author(s) :

Salbee Hovanes .

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Student-athletes most frequently experience anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries during sports that require sudden stopping, pivoting, jumping, or rapid changes in direction. Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery and return to sport, with cold therapy (also known as cryotherapy) and heat therapy commonly used for symptom management. This study examines how teenage student-athletes in the Western United States use cold and heat therapy following an ACL injury and how they perceive the effectiveness of each modality. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a structured review of peer-reviewed literature with survey-based data on rehabilitation experiences, therapy usage, and perceived outcomes. Findings indicate that cold therapy is more frequently utilized and preferred for pain and swelling management, particularly during early rehabilitation stages, whereas heat therapy is primarily used to promote flexibility and muscle relaxation during later phases of recovery. Overall, the results suggest that effective ACL rehabilitation should follow a stage-specific approach, with treatment selection tailored to the injury phase and individual recovery goals. These findings may help inform athletes, clinicians, and caregivers in developing more individualized rehabilitation strategies. The study was conducted in accordance with Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) guidance, and because it involved a minimum-risk, anonymous survey, institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was not required.