When Jack Dibble injured his knee during a varsity football game last season, the first thought that crossed his mind was “I hope I can finish the game!” Jack, a sophomore at Coal City High School in Illinois didn’t get to finish that game . . . and, unfortunately didn’t get to finish the season. Jack had torn his anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as the ACL. The ACL is one of the four major knee ligaments that support and stabilize the knee.
Jack had surgery to repair his ACL following his injury, and received post-operative rehabilitation at ATI Physical Therapy in Morris, IL.
“Following my surgery, I was sad that I couldn’t finish my football season,” said Jack. “But I knew I would recover and would be able to play again.” Jack, a self-motivator, took strength from the professional football players that fully recovered from the same injury, and was supported by his therapy team at ATI.
“My therapists at ATI were so encouraging, and the clinic atmosphere was great! They knew how to make therapy fun, but still challenged me just enough so I could recover and return to play safely.”
Jack gives equal credit for his recovery to his athletic trainer, Emily Edman with ATI Sports Medicine at Coal City High School. “Emily was there when my injury happened and supported me through my surgery and therapy. My parents appreciated the fact that she was there to answer questions about my injury, and she gave them guidance on my recovery.”
During his physical therapy, Emily checked in on Jack regularly, monitoring his return to activity at the high school. She worked with the physical therapists to transition Jack back to play and currently works with him to continue his rehabilitation.
“Jack and I work on his function, strength, and agility each day,” said Edman. “The benefit of having an athletic trainer at the high school is the ability to monitor the athlete’s progress following completion of physical therapy, continue care and transition him or her back to play safely.”
Just five months later, Jack is looking forward to running track as a sprinter, and has hopes of making State with his relay team. “Everyone tells me that I made a remarkable recovery,” said Jack. “Having Emily here is one reason why. She was my second coach, motivator, counselor and teacher. She gave me the guidance I needed to return to activity, and told me I could do it. And, if Emily says I can do it, I know I can!”