From Setback to Comeback: An Athlete's Journey Through Complex ACL Knee Surgery Recovery
"I had to change a lot mentally to get better physically," says Lani Woods, perfectly capturing the essence of rehabilitation. Lani's remarkable journey through a complex knee injury and multiple surgeries offers hope and guidance for anyone on their own recovery path.
Note - we have received permission from Lani on Instagram to post her recovery story to help motivate and inspire others.
The Initial Injury and Diagnosis
In October 2019, Lani faced a combination of injuries that would test any athlete's resolve. During a training incident, she experienced:
- A tibial plateau avulsion fracture
- Complete ACL and PCL ruptures
- Lateral and medial meniscus tears
For those who aren't knee experts, think of an avulsion fracture as the ligaments actually pulling away a piece of bone – definitely not your average sports injury! Lani was looking at 6-9 months of recovery, but she took on this challenge with an amazing attitude, asking herself "how bad do you really want it?"
The First Recovery Phase
After her first surgery, where doctors used bioabsorbable screws to reattach the ligaments, Lani dove into rehab head-first. She knew there would be good days and bad days, but that didn't stop her from crushing the workouts she could do while wearing a plaster cast.
Using Technology to Track Progress
During her recovery, Lani found a game-changer in the Curovate app. "I specifically liked that I could use Curovate to measure my knee flexion and extension on my phone!" Lani says. The app helped her track her progress with precise measurements right from her smartphone.
A Twist in the Recovery Tale
By July, things got complicated. Lani's knee started swelling chronically, puzzling her doctors. Here's where her ultrasound tech training came in handy – she used diagnostic ultrasound to discover fluid and blood buildup in her knee. Talk about being your own health advocate!
The rare rejection of her bioabsorbable screws (happening in only 4% of cases) meant another surgery in November 2020.
The Comeback
One year after her final surgery, Lani proved that comebacks are possible. She's back to cycling, crushing obstacle races, and dominating workouts. As Lani says, "Be curious, be adventurous, be unapologetic in your pursuit to find what sets your soul on fire."
What You Can Learn from Lani's Journey
- Your mindset matters as much as your physical therapy
- Track your progress - it keeps you motivated
- Listen to your body and speak up when something feels off
- Focus on what you can do, not what you can't
- Keep your eye on the prize, but celebrate small wins
Conclusion
Whether you're an athlete recovering from surgery or someone working through rehabilitation, Lani's journey offers valuable lessons in perseverance. Recovery isn't just about returning to previous activities – it's about emerging stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before.
Remember that every recovery journey is unique. Focus on your own path, celebrate your progress, and maintain faith in the recovery process. As Lani demonstrated, with determination, proper medical care, and the right mindset, coming back stronger is absolutely possible.
If you need further customized assistance during your ACL recovery check out our Virtual Physical Therapy page to book your 1-on-1 video session with a physical therapist.