Throughout the past few decades, female participation in sports has surged, bringing with it increased visibility and opportunity. However, this growth also highlights the need to address specific health challenges that female athletes face.
From anatomical differences to energy demands, understanding these factors is key to promoting longevity, safety and peak performance in sport.
To address these challenges, Mercy Health has partnered with Sportsmetrics™ to launch the Mercy Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Female Athlete Health and Wellness Program in our Cincinnati market.
Women’s health in sports
Female athletes encounter a range of health risks that stem from physiological and training-related factors. These include:
- Early specialization and repetitive stress: Concentrating on one sport too soon can lead to overuse injuries.
- Muscle imbalances and coordination gaps: Weak neuromuscular control may elevate the risk of joint and ligament damage.
- Joint structure and flexibility: Smaller, more mobile joints can increase vulnerability to instability.
- Energy deficiency (RED-S): Insufficient caloric intake relative to energy expenditure can impair performance and long-term health.
- Bone stress injuries: Especially common in high-impact sports, these result from accumulated strain on skeletal structures.
- ACL vulnerability: Women are statistically more prone to ACL tears due to biomechanical and hormonal factors.
“Women are often dismissed when they share complex symptoms, told that their problems are all in their heads or hormonal,” says Carolyn Crampton, MS, ATC, program director of the Mercy Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Female Athlete Health and Wellness Program. “Our program is here to change that. We want to provide holistic care to female athletes by connecting their athletic goals to their overall health and well-being.”
Mercy Health’s holistic program for female athletes
This initiative supports athletes at all levels – from elite competitors to weekend warriors – through a comprehensive, science-backed approach.
Program highlights
- Athlete risk screenings: A 90-minute evaluation by certified athletic trainers identifies individual strengths, weaknesses and risk factors. Personalized plans and referrals are provided based on findings.
- Injury prevention training: Exercises and techniques are designed to improve movement patterns, enhance neuromuscular control and reduce injury risk.
- Performance testing and movement analysis: Tools like drop jump assessments and VO2 max testing help athletes understand their physical capabilities and areas for improvement.
- Education: Presentations tailored to athletes and professionals cover topics such as nutrition, mental health and injury prevention.
- Nutrition and hormonal wellness: Support includes dietary guidance, menstrual cycle tracking and resources for managing hormonal changes, including menopause.
- Mental health resources: Sports psychology services and behavioral screenings help athletes build resilience, manage pressure and maintain focus.
- Orthopedic rehabilitation: Post-injury and post-surgical care is provided by a multidisciplinary team including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and trainers.
“Our program pulls together a multidisciplinary team of physicians, therapists, and trainers who understand female athletes and their unique lifestyles and health needs,” Carolyn says.
Who should consider this program?
- Student-athletes in school sports
- Recreational athletes seeking injury prevention
- High-level competitors aiming to enhance performance
- Athletes recovering from injuries or surgeries
“Any woman who moves with purpose and intention is an athlete,” Carolyn says.
How we can help
Mercy Health’s mission through the Mercy Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Female Athlete Health and Wellness Program is to equip female athletes with the tools, knowledge and support they need to thrive. By integrating expertise from physicians, therapists, trainers, dietitians and psychologists, the program offers a truly holistic path to health and performance.
Women of any age who participate in athletic activity in the Cincinnati area can benefit from this program. Call to make an appointment at 513-853-8881.
