Joelle Wise’s Journey From Injury to Recovery with Aquacare
Athlete of the Week – Joelle Wise
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Any time an athlete steps on the field, an injury is possible. For Joelle Wise, a promising field hockey player at Indian River High School, a devastating knee injury during the 2022 preseason could have spelled the end of her athletic aspirations. Instead, it became the beginning of an inspiring comeback story, showcasing the crucial role of physical therapy in helping athletes return to the sports they love.
Wise, a member of the class of 2025, recalls the moment that changed everything. “It was during a preseason practice,” she says. “I heard a pop, and just like that, my junior year plans were turned upside down.”
The diagnosis was severe: Wise had torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and meniscus – a triple threat that could sideline many athletes permanently.
Following surgery in September, Wise faced a daunting recovery process. “I was in a wheelchair for months before graduating to crutches,” she shares. “The thought of getting back on the field seemed impossibly far away.”
Enter Aquacare Physical Therapy in Millville, recommended by Wise’s orthopedic surgeon.
“After not using my knee or legs much for more than six months, I had lost a significant amount of strength,” Wise explains. “I essentially had to start over, rebuilding my strength and stamina from scratch.”
Wise admits that the process wasn’t always easy. “There were days when progress felt slow, and the exercises were tough,” she says. “But the team at Aquacare always kept me motivated. They helped me see the bigger picture – getting back to the sport I love.”
As months passed, Wise’s determination began to pay off. Gradually, she regained strength, flexibility, and confidence in her rehabilitated knee. The therapy didn’t just focus on her injury; it prepared her entire body for the rigors of competitive field hockey.
Wise was able to return to the field for her junior year season and is excited to enter her senior season this year.
“I feel stronger and more aware of my body,” Wise enthuses. “The injury and rehab process taught me so much about proper movement and the importance of overall fitness in preventing future injuries.”
Wise’s experience at Aquacare left such a positive impression that she now works part-time at the front desk.
“The therapists have become like family to me,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand how they change lives, and I’m proud to be a part of that, even in a small way.”
Aquacare/Fitness Forum Physical Therapy
