Chelsea Leonard

No dount she will not be rushed just to compete at any level. ACLs are serious injuries, but we are better equipped to handle that type of injury today. Injuries are a part of the game and she will come back as strong as ever. If you DD has not suffered some type of serious injury in her career then consider yourself lucky.

 

Right

I coached Chelsea for two seasons as she was learning to pitch and she is a true student of the game. She asked why we called certain pitches, why we set up batters with a pitch, how she could be more of a pitcher and not a thrower, and best of all in the dugout, she was studying the other team's pitchers to help her teammates. I have had four all-american pitchers and Chelsea was the most intense and understood the mechanics on the mound better than most! She is a great one as a pitcher, a hitter, a teammate and a person! She will be back as strong as ever! LOL to Chelsea and her parents!

 

ACL Tears !!!

Even with modern technology it will take 4-6 months before fully able to compete !! I know that her parents want rush her back into the game, at least she will be better by her freshman Fall season.. Best of luck !!!

Guru

The First Days: The goals of the first days after ACL reconstruction are to minimize swelling and prevent discomfort. This can be accomplished with:

• • Icing frequently
  • Elevating the affected knee
  • Using crutches

Some surgeons recommend the use of a brace after ACL surgery. This is controversial, and many surgeons choose not to use a brace at this time. Another controversial subject is the use of a CPM, or motion machine, after surgery. Again, some surgeons will use the CPM despite a lack of evidence that it helps your recovery.

Weeks 1-2: Range of motion exercises can begin immediately after surgery. The initial focus is to regain full extension (the ability to fully straighten) of the knee. In general, flexion (ability to bend) is much easier to regain than extension. Patients will work with physical therapists to work on gait training (walking), gentle strengthening, and aerobic work. I like to get patients on a stationary bicycle as soon as possible after surgery as this improves strength, motion and aerobic activity.

Weeks 3-6: Work is continued with physical therapy. As motion increases, emphasis is shifted to strengthening. Specifically balance and proprioceptive exercises. Once normal motion has been achieved, some sport-specific activities can be started. Before beginning these activities, motion must be near normal and the swelling in the knee gone.

Weeks 7-12: Early sports activities can be started and patients can often begin light jogging, cycling outdoors, and pool workouts. Side-to-side, pivoting sports -- such as basketball, soccer and football -- must be avoided. Toward the end of this phase, some athletes can begin shuttle runs, lateral shuttles and jumping rope.

Months 4-7: Continued progression with sports specific activities. This phase of rehabilitation is often the most difficult, because patients may have a knee that "feels" normal, but is not ready for the stresses of some sport activities. Emphasis of rehabilitation should be on sport simulating activities. These will include figure-of-eight drills and plyometrics, and over time will include sport drills. For example, a tennis player may start light hitting, a soccer player some controlled dribbling, etc.

Return to Sports: Deciding when to return to unrestricted sports activities depends on a number of factors:

• Functional Progression
  The decision to return to sports must be based on each individual's progression through their therapy.
• Graft Type
  Some surgeons may delay return to sports if the graft used to reconstruct the ACL came from a donor. Because these grafts are sterilized and frozen, there is a belief that they take longer to heal well inside the patient.
• Surgeon Preference
  Your surgeon will guide your rehabilitation, and the ultimate decision about return to sports.

Bracing After ACL Surgery: There is also controversy about the use of braces during sports after ACL reconstruction. Studies have shown no benefit in preventing re-injury to the ACL. However, some athletes feel more comfortable in a brace, and there is no harm in wearing a sports brace.
Sources::

 

Guru

Nice job, Guru! One thing two surgeon friends of mine have said, if you can somehow build the muscles up in leg prior to surgery, recovery is faster and more successful. Can be tough depending on pain level, severity of tears, and ability to delay surgery.
I am sure Chelsea and her family have and are getting the best counseling and advise on the proper management of this injury and this young lady will come back as good as ever! She suffered a hand injury a couple springs ago and followed the advise of her medical team to a tee! Everyone saw the results of her rehab, an unstoppable talent!
Merry Christmas to all and may God bring all of you the best of 2009's!

 

The Marlins wish you, Miss Chelsea all the best!
As has been said many times before, with all injuries, there comes a time to rehab. Kickbutt in that process Chelsea! Make yourself stronger than you were before the injury! You can do it. Fishman

 

So sorry to hear the news. Chelsea sent us home from Walnut Creek in 06 and again this year in o8. She is without a doubt the most consistent pitcher I have seen at the HS level. Ms Leonard take that competetive fire you have on the Diamond and apply it to your rehab and we will be reading about you at the next level.

 

been out of the loop for awhile.
Any news on her progress?
Hope things are going well.