Ryan
Ryan first arrived at our 3DPT Deptford location in November of 2024 after surgery for a hamstring avulsion fracture, an injury most common in young athletes. But in Ryan’s case, it was an unexpected curveball, proving that sometimes even seasoned players face unexpected setbacks. Avulsion fractures occur when a piece of the pelvis gets torn off with the hamstring tendon, usually from sprinting or jumping. Think of it as a game of tug-of-war where the bone unfortunately loses!
Avulsion fractures may sound intense, but with the right game plan, they don’t have to be a season-ending injury. That’s where physical therapy comes in: helping patients like Ryan rebuild strength, improve mobility, and safely get back to doing what they love.
When Ryan first walked into the clinic, he was on crutches, unable to put any weight on his leg. Fast forward to today, and he’s running, lifting, and gearing up for his slow-pitch baseball league. From limping to running bases, talk about a comeback story!
What truly earned Ryan the title of Patient of the Month wasn’t just his ability to recover, but his all-star attitude. His positivity is contagious…if good vibes were a sport, Ryan would definitely have the gold medal! Always eager to learn about his rehab, he approaches every exercise with enthusiasm and a willingness to try anything his PT throws his way (even if it’s a little bit of a curveball!). Ryan’s journey is proof that with the right mindset and determination, recovery is just another part of the game. Ryan’s recovery has been nothing short of a grand slam!
Here’s what Ryan had to say about his journey at 3DPT Deptford:
1. Tell us about what brought you to physical therapy and how this affected your life.
While playing baseball last July, I suffered a hamstring injury that was later diagnosed as a 6cm avulsion fx, requiring surgical intervention. Pre and post-surgery, I overcame many struggles with my strength, endurance, and hip/hamstring flexibility during this time
2. Tell us a little about your recovery process. What has been the hardest part of your therapy? What was your favorite part of physical therapy?
The first several weeks following surgery were the most challenging. The simplest of tasks, walking, showering, and even bending over to tie my shoe, were incredibly painful and difficult. The routine movements and tasks we take for granted were nearly impossible to achieve without assistance. The last several months with Kaitlyn have made me increasingly motivated and hopeful that I can return to my prior level of function. Her knowledge and confidence in me have allowed me the ability to significantly improve much quicker than both my physician and I previously anticipated.
Take a look at Ryan in action at 3DPT Deptford with his PT, Dr. Kaitlyn Weatherby
3. What advice would you give to other people who suffered similar injuries or going through the same situation?
Although it’s a long, tough road in the beginning, things will eventually get much better with hard work and persistence. Staying motivated, building strong rapport with your physical therapist, and following their plan of care will get you to your end goal.
4. Why would you recommend 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy?
3DPT has been the most positive part of my recovery process. Kaitlyn and the rest of the clinical team are always inspiring, fun, and full of therapeutic knowledge to help get you back to your peak performance. They are able to progress their pts at a moderate but safe pace, while decreasing pain and preventing setbacks
5. What is your favorite winter time activity?
My favorite winter activity is weight training, preparing for baseball season, as well as watching the Philadelphia Eagles playoff runs. Go birds!
Avulsion fractures can be sneaky injuries, often mistaken for a bad muscle strain. If left untreated, these fractures can lead to long-term weakness or mobility issues, but with the right treatment plan, recovery is absolutely possible. Physical therapy is the key to healing, rebuilding strength, restoring mobility, and ensuring the patient gets back into the game stronger than ever!
Common signs of an Avulsion Fracture include:
- Sudden, sharp pain at the injury site
- Swelling and bruising around the affected area
- Difficulty moving the injured limb or bearing weight
- A “pop” sensation at the moment of injury
Click HERE to make an appointment with a 3DPT physical therapist