Female Athlete Program

At The University of Kansas Health System, we recognize the unique challenges that female athletes face. That's why we created our region's only female athlete program. We provide care for middle school through college-age female athletes as well as adult weekend warriors to make sure they reach their full athletic potential.

Girls have greater access to a wider selection of sports than ever before and are getting involved at younger ages with a rise in participation numbers every year. That’s positive because girls who play sports not only do better in school, but also are more likely to have high self-esteem, stronger relationships and improved physical health. However, those who do participate drop out of sports at significantly higher rates than boys by the end of high school. One reason for abandoning sports may be serious injury. For example, females have an ACL tear risk 2-8 times that of males.

Some sports injuries should be treated differently for females. Our female athlete program considers anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, nutritional, physiological and psychosocial factors that can uniquely affect female athletes. To do this, we collaborate as an interdisciplinary team. When you work with the Female Athlete Program, you may see a sports medicine physician, nurse, physical therapist, nutritionist, sport psychologist and athletic trainer.

Sports injuries or issues treated through our female athlete program include:

• Any sports medicine injury or issue addressed through a female lens
• Bone health evaluations
• Disordered eating or eating disorders in athletes
• Fatigue
• Irregular or absent menses
• Management of bone stress injuries
• Nutritional concerns related to sports and injury
• Performance concerns
• Psychological concerns related to sports and injury
• Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)

We recognize how important it is to be a female athlete and how crucial specialized care can be. That’s why our providers have unique knowledge and experience working with female athletes and, together, address any injury or challenge comprehensively.

• Sports medicine care to evaluate and treat sport-related injuries such as strains, sprains, fractures and concussions, as well as conditions that can affect a female athlete including REDs
• Sports nutrition which includes sports dietitians who provide highly individualized interventions to meet the needs of female athletes and help them maximize their performance
• Sport psychology providing guidance on issues including returning from a sports-related injury, performance anxiety, managing pressure and expectations, time management, concerns around body image or eating habits, or relationship problems with coaches or teammates
• Physical therapy to enable injured athletes to return to play
• Sports performance training classes providing strength and conditioning training in a female-only class focused on mind-body awareness, reducing injury and maximizing performance
• Specialist referrals, if needed, to collaborate with specialties at The University of Kansas Health System, including cardiology, endocrinology, gynecology, pediatrics and more

Our female athlete program is the only one of its kind in the Kansas City area and surrounding region. Our integrated care team works together to provide holistic care for female athletes. We will harness your unique female advantage to fully realize your athletic best.

Our team is trusted by the Kansas City Current women’s professional soccer team to provide care on and off the pitch. You deserve the same treatment as the pros.