Strength and confidence: Gerber overcomes lengthy rehab

Grace Gerber, a sophomore at Eau Claire Memorial High School, is a dedicated athlete competing in volleyball and track. Her high school journey took a challenging turn when she suffered a knee injury at a club volleyball tournament. While attempting to block a ball, she landed with her right foot slipping, hyperextending her leg backward. This traumatic incident resulted in torn ligaments and a dislocated patella, marking the beginning of a long and taxing path to recovery.

Reflecting on her journey, Grace describes the process as “very long” due to the complexity of her injury. Along with the already complex injury, the initial surgery brought its setbacks. Grace had an allergic reaction to the steri-strips, which compounded the healing complications. Scar tissue quickly formed, limiting her knee’s movement to only 75 degrees. Grace then underwent manipulation surgery to break up the tissue, which proved successful and allowed her to continue her rehabilitation with more ease. But for Grace, one of the hardest parts of her recovery was the mental side of things. “After my injury,” she shares, “I had many thoughts that I would never return to sports, along with many other doubts along the way.” With the unwavering support of her family and friends, she found the strength to push forward, learning the power of resilience and mental fortitude.

During her recovery, Northwoods Therapy helped Grace find the support she needed to complete her physical rehabilitation. Grace’s journey with Northwoods Therapy recently culminated in her 50th and final sessions, a milestone made special by her physical therapist, Jenny. “Jenny has been such an inspirational light in my life. Every moment I spent in therapy, she had great words of encouragement,” Grace recounts. Jenny’s positive energy helped Grace regain not only her physical strength but also her confidence. Thanks to Northwoods Therapy and Jenny, Grace feels ready to return to the sports she loves.

The lessons Grace has taken from her experience are profound. She’s learned not to take things for granted, as her injury offered a new perspective on the opportunities she’s been given. Grace is also grateful for the determination and dedication she discovered within herself, qualities that carried her through the toughest times of recovery. “ With dedication and determination, you can really push yourself to do better,” she says, as she plans to carry this mindset forward in all areas of her life. 

When reflecting on her high school sports experiences, Grace highlights her time on the volleyball team, especially the camaraderie of being on the varsity team, supporting and cheering on her teammates. That season was filled with moments that she treasures, and the bonds formed with her teammates have left an incredible mark on her high school journey. 

As for the future, Grace is keeping her options open, choosing to focus on the here and now. While she doesn’t have immediate plans to pursue college sports, she’s excited to take things one step at a time, staying open to whatever new opportunities may arise in the next few years.