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By Leo Mendrinos, Senior Physiotherapist at Anatomy Rehab
The Skiing Injury No One Wants
Skiing delivers a unique sense of freedom and adrenaline—but it also carries the risk of injury. One of the most common and feared sports injuries among skiers is the ACL tear. The anterior cruciate ligament is a key stabiliser in the knee, and when it’s compromised, the consequences can be painful, frustrating, and potentially season-ending.
Why ACL Tears Happen on the Slopes
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) helps keep your knee stable, particularly during dynamic movements. Unfortunately, skiing puts this ligament under immense strain, especially in challenging terrain or when technique falters. Most ACL tears occur in one of three common scenarios:
- The “Phantom Foot” Fall – You lose balance, fall backwards, and your ski twists awkwardly while your foot stays trapped in place.
- Bad Landings – Even small jumps can lead to trouble if you land on a straight leg rather than a soft, bent knee.
- Sudden Twists – Catching an edge or making a sharp correction at speed can exert too much force on the knee.
Often, the injury is accompanied by a distinct popping sound or sensation, followed by immediate swelling, pain, and instability. In such cases, timely access to expert physiotherapy treatment in Dubai can make all the difference in your recovery journey.
Reducing Your Risk of an ACL Tear
Although injuries can’t always be avoided, there’s a lot you can do to minimise the risk. According to Leo Mendrinos, Senior Physiotherapist at Anatomy Rehab, injury prevention hinges on a combination of strength, mobility, and technique.
A strong lower body—particularly the quads, hamstrings, and glutes—reduces pressure on the knees. Mobility training ensures smoother movement patterns, and correct landing mechanics help protect the ligaments during jumps or sudden changes in direction.
Leo also stresses the importance of appropriate equipment setup. Tight ski bindings that fail to release properly in a fall can put excessive strain on your knees. Equally, skiing with poor posture or leaning too far back increases ACL stress.
Beyond training and technique, Leo advocates for good overall health practices—adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and proper hydration. These seemingly simple factors often play a critical role in reducing the risk of sports injuries.
What If You Tear Your ACL?
An ACL tear is a serious injury—but it doesn’t have to mark the end of your skiing journey. While some individuals manage without surgery, most active skiers benefit from a surgical repair followed by tailored sports injury rehab. A structured rehabilitation programme is essential for restoring strength, stability, and confidence on the slopes.
Having gone through an ACL injury himself, Leo Mendrinos brings both professional expertise and personal experience to his role at Anatomy Rehab’s physiotherapy clinic in Dubai. His approach blends evidence-based care with a deep understanding of what patients truly need during recovery—from early-stage rehabilitation to sport-specific conditioning.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one, Leo specialises in delivering highly personalised physiotherapy treatment in Dubai, with a focus on long-term outcomes and peak performance.
Book an Appointment with Leo
If you’re dealing with a sports injury, preparing for ski season, or simply want expert guidance to improve your movement, strength, and resilience, book an appointment with Leo Mendrinos at Anatomy Rehab.
As a trusted Dubai physio, Leo is here to help you get back to doing what you love—stronger, safer, and more confident than ever.
