My Comeback Story: London M.
My struggles with my knees began in seventh grade during middle school track season. At first, the pain was minor, the kind you're taught to ignore and push through. Despite it, I made it to state in the high jump. Over time, however, the pain worsened and began affecting both soccer and track, especially the high jump.
An X-ray revealed I had patella alta, meaning my kneecap sat higher than normal and could be causing pain in my patellar tendon. I was referred to physical therapy, beginning a long and frustrating journey. I worked with three different physical therapists at three different clinics, hoping to find answers, but none truly helped me. Eventually, an ultrasound showed I had patellar tendinosis, not tendinitis as I had previously been told. Learning that my injury was chronic was devastating. While it wasn't a broken bone or a torn tendon, it affected my physical and mental health just as much.
The last track meet before my recovery is one I'll never forget. As I approached the high jump pit, I felt a sharp pain shoot through my knees, and tears filled my eyes. I knew I wouldn't come close to my personal record. I tried one more attempt, but before I even took my penultimate step, I knew I couldn't. I landed on the mat in pain, scratched from the event, and left the meet defeated. It was the first time I truly couldn't push through the pain.
After my ultrasound, I was given three treatment options: plasma injections, shockwave therapy, or surgery. We originally considered the surgery, believing it to be the best option. Before arriving at Rebound, I had lost confidence in getting help after so many appointments left me with more questions than answers. Dr. Cottrill recommended shockwave therapy and referred me to a physical therapist with lots of experience working with athletes.
Although shockwave therapy was painful and required numerous appointments, Dr. Cottrill always took the time to answer my questions and make sure every decision supported my recovery and my goals. At the same time, I stayed involved with soccer by becoming the team manager for my high school's junior varsity team. Watching from the sidelines was difficult, but the support of Rebound and physical therapy gave me hope and motivated me to stick with rehabilitation week after week.
Today, I continue to check in with Rebound and am incredibly grateful I was referred to the Rose Quarter clinic. Although I've stepped away from high jump because my knees still aren't what they once were, I've grown stronger in other ways. I'm stronger on the soccer field, stronger mentally, and more grateful for every opportunity I have to compete. Months of rehabilitation taught me resilience, patience, and perseverance. Rebound has been there through every high and low of my ongoing journey with patellar tendinosis, and for that, I will always be grateful.