Success AFTER ACL Reconstruction Surgery- Steph’s Comeback Story
One of the best parts about being a physical therapist is our opportunity to connect with so many people, be a part of their comeback story, and then watch their continued successes after their rehabilitation is complete. Steph Dashiell is an amazing example of perseverance, mental toughness, and proving hard work can help you achieve any goal you may have. Check out her comeback story!
What was your injury? How did you injure yourself?
I tore my ACL in 2016 while playing high school soccer (and had ACL reconstruction surgery). The injury was non-contact and occurred when I tried planting and moving in a different direction.
What was the most challenging aspect to your recovery?
The mental aspect was the most challenging part in my recovery. My injury happened in the spring of my junior year when I was hoping to commit to a university. The recovery was so long that it was difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel in the beginning of rehab. There were several times when I debated not playing in college or even quitting all together.
What did you learn from your experience being injured?
Being injured showed me how many things that I took for granted such as walking, running, and driving. When I wasn’t able to do those things, it made me have a greater appreciation for all the mundane tasks in everyday life. My injury also taught me how to slow down and self-reflect. As someone who was obsessed with my sport and centered my life around it, I was able to invest more time in myself and in my relationships with friends and family. I slowly began to realize that I could be happy and content without soccer, and that I have so much more to offer beyond my athletic capabilities.
What did you enjoy most about PT at OPTI?
I couldn’t imagine rehabbing anywhere besides OPTI. Everyone at OPTI possesses an indescribable, exuberant energy that pulled me out of my darkness and made my rehab journey so much better and brighter with their contagious positivity. I built genuine relationships with all of the staff there and felt like they truly cared about me and my future. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself and are the biggest reason that I had a successful recovery.
What advice would you give someone that is recovering from an injury?
My biggest advice for someone recovering from an injury would be to take things one day at a time and trust the process. In my rehab journey, I was always looking ahead and thinking about everything that I wasn’t able to do yet rather than acknowledging how far I had come and celebrating small wins. It is incredibly easy to get discouraged, but it’s important to stay present and remember that recovery isn’t a straight path.
What have you accomplished since coming back from your injury?
I fulfilled my dream of playing division I soccer and committed to South Dakota State University eight months after surgery. After college, I took a few years off of playing soccer and enjoyed running, biking, and lifting at my leisure while in graduate school. Now, I work full-time as a Registered Dietitian and play for Omaha’s first indoor professional soccer team as well as coach youth soccer.
Awesome stuff, Steph! We are SO proud of you!
Call Omaha Physical Therapy Institute today to start you comeback journey!
Make an Appointment Today! »
Your Comeback Story Starts Here!