From Patient to Physical Therapist- Katie’s Comeback Story

Long before she was a physical therapist and co-owner of Omaha Physical Therapy Institute, Katie Cordery was on the other side of the treatment table as a high school senior recovering from a devastating knee injury. Tearing her ACL, medial meniscus, and MCL during a routine basketball drill abruptly ended her final seasons of both basketball and soccer, and launched her into a grueling and uncertain recovery. What followed was a journey shaped by grit, patience, and an early belief in the power of physical therapy. That comeback not only restored her ability to play, but it sparked a passion that would lead her to help others write their own comeback stories.

What was your injury, and how did it happen?

I tore my ACL, medial meniscus, and MCL in my right knee in 1996 during a non-contact injury that happened during a 3-on-2 warm-up drill at basketball practice. I underwent ACL reconstruction with meniscus and MCL repair on December 27th of that year. I later tore my left ACL while skiing in 2005, but for now, I’ll focus on that first injury because it was the one that truly shaped my path.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your recovery—physically or mentally?

The biggest physical challenges in my recovery came at both the beginning and the end of the process. Because I also had a meniscus repair, I was non-weight bearing for a LONG time post-surgery, which made the early stages of rehab particularly difficult. Later, as I began transitioning back into sports, I struggled with coordination and reintegrating soccer-specific skills, something we hadn’t focused on much during my rehabilitation. That experience is exactly why we now prioritize sport-specific strength, agility, and skill work throughout the rehab process. At the time, though, it also took a toll on my confidence. I found myself questioning whether I’d ever return to the level of athlete I was before the injury.

Mentally, the toughest part was being sidelined, especially during my senior year at Marian High School. Our basketball team had just been State runner-up the year before, and our soccer team had won State, so expectations were high for my senior year. Sports were a huge part of my identity at the time, and it was incredibly hard to sit out and not be able to contribute during such a meaningful season.

How did going through your own rehabilitation impact the way you treat patients now?

Oh boy…in a big way! My injury experience has had a huge impact on how I treat patients today. I deeply understand the physical, emotional, and mental struggles that come with being sidelined, and that empathy shows in how I approach care. I know firsthand that recovery isn’t always a straight line…some days are tough, and that’s okay.

Because I’ve lived it, I’m able to reassure patients that setbacks don’t mean failure, and that progress looks different for everyone. I share my own journey to help them feel more confident and supported, knowing I’ve been there, too, and I made it back stronger. I returned to 110% of my prior level and continue to live a super active lifestyle today. That perspective allows me to connect on a deeper level and help others believe in their own recovery.

What did your recovery teach you about yourself?

Recovery taught me that we often place limits on ourselves, on our potential and what we believe we can handle. Going through my injury, while minor compared to the challenges others may face, gave me an early and powerful glimpse into my own resilience. It showed me that I’m stronger than I thought and capable of working through setbacks with determination. That experience shaped how I face challenges even beyond sports or rehab, knowing I can get through tough moments and come out stronger on the other side.

Who or what motivated you to keep going during the tough days?

My family, friends, and teammates were an incredible support system. Their encouragement reminded me that I wasn’t going through it alone. I also knew that if I wanted to get back to doing the things I loved, I had to put in the work…no shortcuts.

A big motivator for me was the scholarship I had earned to play college soccer. That opportunity meant so much, and I didn’t want to let down the coaches who believed in me (or myself!). I was determined to show up for preseason ready, strong, and confident. That goal kept me focused, even on the hardest days.

Was there a habit or something that helped you stay focused during your comeback?

Consistency was and is everything. I made a commitment to myself to stick with my rehab exercises every single day, and I followed through, even when I didn’t feel like it. It was one of the only things I could control with the process. That daily discipline helped keep me grounded and moving forward.

I was also really inspired by the people around me in the clinic where I did my PT. Even though we were all dealing with different injuries, it felt like we were part of the same team, each fighting our own battles, but doing it together. Their energy and determination pushed me to keep going. That sense of community and shared strength made a huge difference in my recovery mindset.

What advice would you give to patients currently in the thick of their own recovery?

Be a patient patient. Your body is an incredible machine. It knows how to heal and recover. But how well it adapts depends on you, your consistency, your effort, and your commitment to movement and the exercises you’ve been given.

Not every day will feel like progress, and that’s okay. Healing isn’t always linear. On the hard days, remind yourself that your body is still working, processing, adapting, and laying the foundation for strength and resilience. Trust the process, stay consistent, and know that you’re moving forward, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

What’s one thing you wish every patient knew about the rehab process?

This…👇👇👇

Although that first ACL tear was a major setback, it was also a turning point.  It gave me a deep understanding of the recovery process, both physically and emotionally, and it ultimately led me to a career where I now help others navigate their own challenges. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. That comeback shaped who I am both as a physical therapist and as a person.

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