The Tail of 2 ACL's and Why Traditional Healthcare Sucks!

Almost 7 months ago two young athletes would have their lives changed forever. Both had torn their ACL and were scheduled to have surgery on the same day, same surgeon. Neither had crossed paths before, but their parents met in the waiting room and the road to recovery started before they were ever operated on.

I had met Anna, a young talented softball player prior to her having surgery. We worked hand in hand on her Prehab which is a training program we utilize pre surgery to help keep the body strong and conditioned, which can result in aiding the recovery process post surgery. We have learned over the years that following a structured Prehab program prior to surgery is a great option for athletes, pushing back surgery and allowing the body to still train yields solid results long term. I started coaching Anna again exactly 12 Weeks Post Op and we have been working together ever since and will soon be cleared for running by her surgeon.

Sam had her ACL repaired on the same day and we crossed paths right around Week 13 Post Op. Like I mentioned before, neither of these ladies had met prior to surgery and now train 2-3x every week in the same gym. Sam is a very talented Volleyball Athlete and is preparing for a full comeback and recovery to kick butt during her senior year. Both girls have experienced the up's and down's associated with ACL Rehab along with the not so wonderful world of Healthcare. One positive force throughout the process has been the gym and both are thriving because of it.

Most athletes want to rush the recovery process and end up reinjuring themselves or never fully return to their sport(s). Only 55% of individuals return to sport following an ACL Repair (Arden et al. 2014.) By 3 months Post Op you have finished physical therapy and have to find ways to progress the recovery process but finding the right program can be difficult especially since everyone goes thru recovery at a different pace. Time is just one variable in the process to be measured and it can be different for everyone. Most research has athletes returning to running anywhere from 12-18 weeks, these girls are at Week 22/23 and we are still waiting for surgeon clearance. It can be discouraging but having the positive environment of the gym keeps them going, and the desire to play again keeps the fire burning deep inside.

One thing that's for certain is that Strength Training needs to be apart of your Pre & Post Surgical Plan. The days of doing it on your own will never get you back on the field or court, it will only end up putting you back on the operating table because you blew your knee out again. All these kids want to do is to be able to run again and play their sport without living in fear of getting hurt again. These programs are more than just about getting someone physically strong, we are developing mental and emotional strength to be able to handle anything thrown at us. Always remember that Strength is Universal and is one the most important tools in an athletes toolbox.

To Anna and Sam, I am beyond proud to call myself your Coach and words cant even describe how blessed I am to watch you both grow and develop throughout this process. Love you both!