Success Story: College Basketball Player Travis Recovers from ACL Tear
Injuries can be devastating, particularly when they strike at the core of an athlete's passion and career. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is one of the most challenging setbacks an athlete can face. Yet, with the right mindset, treatment, and support, a full recovery and return to peak performance is not only possible but can also be a testament to human resilience. Today, we will share how we, at Restore, played a role in Travis’ road to recovery.
Travis was in his first year playing college basketball when he tore his ACL and meniscus in February in the final minutes of a game. Within one week of his injury, he began his recovery process, undergoing surgery and beginning his rehab with the sports med staff at school. The primary focus of his recovery at that time was to protect the new graft and meniscus repair while simultaneously controlling swelling and beginning to regain basic knee functions.
Consistency in providers is one of the biggest keys to success in the rehab process, but due to the fact that he is a college athlete, he had to return home and continue his care elsewhere. Travis had previously worked with our strength team at Olympia fitness. He chose to continue his rehab at Restore because of his comfortability at our facility, the high standard of care provided here, and the access to all the equipment he would need to make sure he could return to a high level of athletic performance.
Travis came to us 14 weeks post op and was eagerly anticipating his return to running. A comprehensive evaluation was completed, using a variety of metrics to determine the progress he had made up until that point and the areas in which he needed to improve. A plan was made with Travis which included weekly to biweekly PT appointments, a home program, and two-three days a week coming into our facilities to complete a strength program designed by our PT staff.
The success and progress Travis made here is a testament to his competitive nature and his eagerness to return to a high level of basketball. Over the course of the summer, his rehab continued to stress strength/power/proprioceptive control, but as he met certain metrics, he safely progressed to more sport specific drills including progressive running, plyometrics, and cutting! Re-evaluation was completed every session in order to safely prescribe Travis the right treatment. He well exceeded expectations on testing prior to his return to school!
Travis has now transitioned back to the care of his sports medical staff at school where he will continue his rehab journey! We had an awesome time treating Travis at Restore and we are confident that he will continue to have a successful recovery. We are excited to see Travis back out on the court when he gets his full clearance after completing his rehab!
“Don’t call it a comeback.” LL Cool J
If you or someone you know is dealing with an ACL injury, look to Travis’s success at Restore and contact us today to begin your journey to a successful recovery. Choosing the right provider matters.