ACL Repair: Cody

I was ski touring on the Mount Whitney massif in the Sierra Nevada with 2 friends when I took a wrong step and blew my ACL and meniscus. We were only a couple miles from the trailhead so we were able to three legged race and build a rescue sled to get me back to the car and eventually the operating room in Mammoth Lakes, CA. I’ve worked variously in the ski industry and now just keep myself sane through grad school by ski mountaineering as much as possible. Obviously a tear to my ACL and meniscus was a large blow to my ability to do my passion. After surgery I also had horrendous nerve pain running down my shin (like sticking my shin in boiling water) to the point that I could be brought to tears by trying to bend my leg. I went to a few different physical therapists and none were successful. On week 6 of recovery I found Chris Butler and after two weeks of seeing him (and doing my exercises!) my nerve pain was significantly diminished and my flexibility had significantly improved. Chris read about my case, answered all my questions, and developed exercises specific to my sport. And remarkably in just 18 weeks post op my doctor released me for full activity and I was climbing and skiing off the top of 14,179 ft Mount Shasta On July 3rd. Chris was kind and knowledgeable and I would recommended any athlete to see Chris!

Cody

Patellar Dislocation Surgery: Alison

 I sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain on my left knee while playing a collegiate spring game in my freshman year. I found out that the recovery time would take about 3 months, and though it was a difficult time, I knew I would be back in time to compete for the fall season. As the therapy progressed and I got stronger, I was cleared to come back to play a few games to see what I was capable of doing. Unfortunately, on my first day back I ended up dislocating my left knee cap. Finding out that my injury would now take an additional 6 months to recover was devastating. This means I would have to sit out my sophomore year of soccer. After my knee operation, with the guidance from Chris, the Catz staff, and my Athletic Trainers at Cal Poly Pomona, I was able to stay positive and comeback both mentally and physically stronger than before. The help of Chris’ unique humor made me enjoy the journey back, and his therapy techniques helped push me to discover my limits. I am grateful to have Chris as my physical therapist and am excited to be competing at the collegiate level again!

-Alison Kung

 

ACL Reconstruction/Meniscus: Ryan

I tore my ACL completely and partially tore my meniscus during a vital time in the college recruiting process. After I got reconstructive surgery, I thought that even if I were able to play soccer again, I would never be the same player. Because of CATZ, I came back stronger than ever and I’m headed to play at Carnegie Mellon this fall! I couldn’t be more grateful and I really wouldn’t have been able to do it without the CATZ team.

-Ryan

Achilles Rupture/Repair: Elizabeth

Chris and the staff at Catz helped me recover after I tore my Achilles during my senior year in high school. I worked with them through the entire summer and was able to recover before leaving for Oregon State.  This was my first major injury and surgery, and without their help and support, I would not be where I am today. I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done for me!       

Miss you guys!

-Elizabeth