The Game Changer: How Sports Bras Can Prevent ACL Injuries in Women

That's right, research suggests a strong link between wearing supportive sports bras and a lower risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries, a common knee issue that can take 9-12 months to recover from reconstructive surgery from.  Women who have had ACL injuries are also at a higher risk of knee other knee issues in the future.

The ACL is a key ligament in your knee that helps stabilise the joint.   It is a strong band of tissue that is connected to your thigh bone.  When it gets stretched or torn, it can cause pain, swelling making it painful to walk on. ACL injuries are much more common in women than men, with some research putting the risk of injury 2-8 times
higher in women vs..men.

The Sports Bra Connection

A study published in the National Institutes of Health's pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov explored the connection between breast support and ACL injuries in female athletes. Researchers found that women with under-supported breasts or who were not wearing a bra when playing sports with a lot of movement/ jumping put extra stress on the knees. This potentially increases the risk of an ACL injury.  When a supportive sports bra was worn it changed the way women's bodies moved and landed reducing the amount of stress put on the ACL joints.

How a Sports Bra Helps

A well-fitted sports bra minimizes breast bounce, reducing stress on the knees and potentially lowering the risk of ACL injuries. Here's what to look for in a supportive sports bra:

Beyond Injury Prevention

The benefits of a good sports bra go beyond injury prevention. Proper support can improve performance by allowing for greater freedom of movement and reducing discomfort. It can also boost confidence and focus during exercise.

Finding the Perfect Fit

80% Women are wearing the wrong-sized bra, so it is important to get fitted regularly.  As your breast size can change after childbirth, weight changes and aging.  A sports bra fitting is just as important as getting fitted for a new pair of shoes, and is an essential part of a sports kit! 

 Here are some tips for finding the perfect fit:

Get Fitted. Visit your local Bendon store to get a personalised bra fitting.  Getting fitted is easy and takes just a few minutes.  Find a store.

Try before you buy. Move around in the bra to ensure it stays put and provides enough support.

Replace your Bra Regularly. Sports bras lose their elasticity over time. Aim to replace yours every 6 months, depending on how often you wear it.

Wash your Bras in a Wash Bag and follow the care instructions. Read More about lingerie care in our blog.

Support Your Game

By prioritising a properly fitted sports bra female athletes can minimise their risk of injury, improve their comfort, and maximize their performance. So next time you hit the pitch or pavement make sure you're wearing the right support!