Abby Dahlkemper's Sports Injuries
Type of Sport: Soccer
Abby Dahlkemper's Sports Injuries Table
| Type | Area | Date | Consequences | Content | How It Happened | Recovery Duration | Rehabilitation Details | Impact On Career | Psychological Impact | Previous Injuries | Return To Competition | Severity | Treatment | Medical Staff | Long Term Impact | Preventive Measures | Competition Missed | Initial Symptoms | Re Injury Risk | Support System | Rehabilitation Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle Injuries | Right Ankle | 2020-07-14 | Required to be substituted out of the match. | Abby Dahlkemper suffered a right ankle injury during a match. She landed awkwardly after jumping for a header, which forced her to be substituted out. | Injury happened during a match when she landed awkwardly after jumping for a header. | 6 weeks | Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and physical therapy. | Missed part of the season but made a full recovery. | Concern about the severity of the injury initially. | No significant previous ankle injuries. | Returned to full fitness and competition after 6 weeks. | Moderate | RICE method and physical therapy. | Team physiotherapist and orthopedic specialist. | No lasting effects reported. | Ankle strengthening exercises and proper warm-up routines. | Missed 5 matches. | Swelling and pain in the right ankle. | Moderate, requires careful management. | Support from teammates, coaches, and medical staff. | Team training facility. |
| Back Injuries | Lower Back | 2021-09-19 | Missed several matches and training sessions. | Abby Dahlkemper experienced a lower back injury during a weightlifting session. This injury forced her to miss some important matches and take a break from training. | Injury occurred during a training session while lifting weights. | 4 weeks | Physical therapy, rest, and gradual return to training. | Short-term setback, but no long-term impact. | Frustration and anxiety due to missing games. | None related to the back. | Abby returned to competition after 4 weeks of rehabilitation. | Moderate | Physical therapy and rest. | Team physiotherapist and medical doctor. | No long-term impact reported. | Improved weightlifting technique and strengthening exercises. | Missed 3 matches. | Sharp pain in the lower back. | Low with proper care. | Support from team medical staff and family. | Team training facility. |
| Knee Injuries | Left Knee | 2017-05-09 | Had to leave the field and undergo medical assessment. | During a match, Abby Dahlkemper collided with an opponent, resulting in a left knee injury. She had to leave the field and undergo a medical assessment. | Sustained during a collision with an opponent in a match. | 8 weeks | Rest, physical therapy, and gradual return to training. | Missed the remainder of the season but returned stronger the next year. | Initial fear of long-term damage, but stayed positive through recovery. | No major previous knee injuries. | Returned to competitive play the following season. | Severe | Intensive physical therapy and rest. | Team medical staff and knee specialist. | No long-term impact, fully recovered. | Knee strengthening exercises and wearing knee support. | Missed the remainder of the season, approximately 10 matches. | Severe pain and swelling in the left knee. | Moderate, requires ongoing management. | Strong support from team, medical staff, and family. | Team training facility and specialized rehab center. |
Abby Dahlkemper's Sports Injuries Videos
USWNT | Abby Dahlkemper and the Long Road Back
Last year, 2022, was the toughest year of my career. Part of my vertebrae had basically blown up into small pieces, causing bone fragments to hit my nerve root. The surgery was very intense; it was a T-lift with a spinal fusion. They cleared out my joint and vertebrae space, and I now have hardware in there. I wondered if I would ever be able to play soccer again. It was a long process, but ultimately rewarding, and just a chapter in my life. On the one-year anniversary of my surgery, I was called back into the national team, which sent chills up my spine. I was thankful and trusted the process, leaning on friends, family, my husband, and dogs. That call was a special moment I will never take for granted. My first appearance since April 2022 was significant, and wearing the crest again is indescribable because the road back was hard but rewarding. With a new perspective and love for the game, representing my country and competing with the best players in the world is truly special.
Player Spotlight: Abby Dahlkemper (North Carolina Courage) | #NWSLonLifetime
Abby Dahlkemper recounts her harrowing experience with septic shock, which began with excruciating pain in her toe. The infection spread rapidly, leading to emergency surgery and a prolonged recovery period. Despite the lasting effects on her toe, which now has little to no movement, Abby's resilience and determination saw her return to the field. By the end of the season, she was named NWSL Defensive Player of the Year and became a starter on the U.S. national team. Abby reflects on her journey with gratitude, emphasizing her appreciation for being able to continue playing the game she loves.
The Journey: Abby Dahlkemper
"The Journey" is an original U.S. Soccer series that follows U.S. Women's National Team players on and off the field. The video features Abby, a player who reflects on her growth and experiences. Despite initial setbacks like not making the U-20 team, Abby learns to balance self-criticism with self-love. Her journey includes playing in the NWSL, where she faces top players, which helps her improve. Support from teammates like Sam has been crucial. Abby's ultimate goal is to represent the U.S. in the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and continuous improvement.
